Prez Kovind, Rahul Gandhi condole loss of lives in stampede at Vaishno Devi shrine

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday said he was very distressed to know that an unfortunate stampede claimed lives of devotees at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhavan in Jammu and Kashmir and offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

”I wish speedy recovery to those injured,” he said.

At least 12 people were killed and 20 others injured in the stampede at the famous shrine, triggered by a heavy rush of devotees.

The stampede occurred near gate number three outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine atop Trikuta hills.

”Very distressed to know that an unfortunate stampede claimed lives of devotees at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhavan. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I wish speedy recovery to those injured,” Kovind tweeted.

Mourning the deaths of the devotees, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a tweet said ”The stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi temple is tragic. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased,” Gandhi said on Twitter.

He also wished a speedy recovery to the injured.