Maha Kumbh Incident: PM Modi Monitors Situation with CM Yogi
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi promptly reached out to CM Yogi Adityanath regarding the stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The incident occurred amidst a surge of pilgrims for the Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, leading to injuries and a temporary halt of the event.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi contacted CM Yogi Adityanath to monitor the situation.
- Stampede-like conditions emerged amidst a large gathering of pilgrims.
- Union Home Minister and BJP chief offered full support.
- At least 30 women were injured during the chaos.
- Authorities implemented crowd management measures.
New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath two times within an hour to oversee the stampede-like situation at the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister called for immediate support measures.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief & Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda also reached out to the Chief Minister, providing assurances of full support from the Centre.
Minister Nadda promised comprehensive assistance, including volunteers and health services, to effectively manage the situation at the Kumbh Mela.
A stampede-like situation erupted at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj during the early hours of Wednesday, just before the 'Amrit Snan' on 'Mauni Amavasya'.
Officials reported that a significant number of pilgrims arrived for the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, resulting in a stampede-like scenario that injured many.
At least 30 women have been reported injured and are receiving treatment at the central hospital set up in the Mela area. The Uttar Pradesh government anticipated 10 crore pilgrims to attend the Maha Kumbh in just one day and had increased security measures in preparation for the 'Amrit Snan'.
The incident unfolded amidst a surge of millions of devotees gathering for the holy dip, leading the Akharas to temporarily suspend the event.
The chaos occurred about a kilometre from the sacred convergence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, triggered by the breaking of barricades, which caused panic among the crowd.
The crush of people resulted in several women fainting, and as they fell, a stampede-like situation emerged. The injured were promptly transported to a nearby hospital within the Maha Kumbh fairgrounds, while others with more severe injuries were taken to Bailey Hospital and Swaroop Rani Medical College for treatment.
Eyewitnesses conveyed the distressing scenes. Jay Prakash Swami, who witnessed the occurrence, shared, "She had gotten trapped under the crowd and couldn’t get up. We were all stuck in the crowd. I was the first to get out, and then I helped the children, my father, and then my mother."
Vidhya Sahu, another eyewitness from Belgavi, Karnataka, recounted, "We have come from Belgavi, Karnataka. We were just walking when people from behind pushed us and took us around. There was a pole in the opposite direction, and everyone got stuck near it."
A Crowd Diversion Plan was activated at the Maha Kumbh, halting the entry of devotees. Groups of pilgrims were stopped on the outskirts of the city.
CM Yogi urged devotees to bathe at the ghat nearest to them and appealed for them not to approach the Triveni Sangam for the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya.
The Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya carries profound spiritual significance this year, particularly due to the rare 'Triveni Yog' celestial alignment, which occurs only once every 144 years.
This alignment has heightened the enthusiasm and devotion of the millions who gathered for the ritual. Authorities have tightened security measures and advised devotees to remain vigilant.
