JAMMU: Pilgrimage to the cave shrine of
Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra has resumed after a brief half following the stampede incident.
At least 12 people were killed and 15 others injured in the stampede outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine.
"Today at around 2.15am, an unfortunate stampede happened near Gate No 3 at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan," said official spokesperson, adding, a massive rescue operation was immediately launched by the Shrine Board authorities along with district administration and police.
"The helplines established by the district administration are: PCR Katra 01991-232010/ 9419145182, PCR Reasi 01991245076/ 9622856295; DC Reasi Control Room 01991-245763/ 9419839557," the spokesperson further informed
An eyewitness of the incident hailing from Ghazibad told media persons, perhaps some had stayed there to offer prayers on the first day of the year while others were allowed to embark on their pilgrimage resulting in a huge rush at the holy shrine.
Major accidents at the holy shrineAugust 6, 2016: At least four people were killed and seven others injured after a landslide occurred in the wee hours of Saturday near Ardhkuwari temple on way to the holy cave shrine of Shri Vaishno Devi in Katra.
November 23, 2015: Six pilgrims and a woman pilot were killed when a chopper crashed at the bus stand area in Katra
Dec 31 2012: Five Vaishno Devi pilgrims and the pilot of a Pawan Hans helicopter were injured
November 6, 2007: A chopper of Himalayan Airlines crashed in Trikuta hills in Reasi district leaving five pilgrims and the pilot injured.
in July 1988: All the five plus two crew members died when one Westland helicopter crashed while attempting to land near the Vaishno Devi shrine
Explore the yearly horoscope 2025 for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes, messages and quotes.