At least 12 pilgrims were killed and 13 others injured early Saturday morning in a stampede at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine situated in Trikuta Hills of Katra town in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Police said owing to heavy rush of pilgrims at Bhawan, stampede was broken out.

“At least 12 casualties have been reported and several people also injured. Rescue operation is being carried out,” the police said.

The joint team of police, Shrine Board, para-military forces, health department and administration are on the job, they said, adding, “more details are emerging.”

Meanwhile an administrative official said that last week due to suspension of trains in view of farmers protest, the yatra had declined but with resumption of trains, large number of pilgrims visited Katra on New Year Eve to pay obeisance at the Cave Shrine.

“To offer prayers and have darshan of ‘natural pindies’ in the cave shrine especially on New Year, the pilgrims rushed to the Bhawan that led to huge rush and chaos,” he added.

PM Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident.

“Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to JK LG Shri @manojsinha_ Ji, Ministers Shri @DrJitendraSingh Ji, @nityanandraibjp Ji and took stock of the situation,” PM tweeted.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of the Shrine Board said, “Deeply pained at the loss of lives due to stampede at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured.”

“Spoke to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Briefed him about the incident. Prime Minister has assured all the help,” he tweeted.

The LG also spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and briefed him about the incident.

A high-level inquiry has also been ordered into today’s stampede.

The Inquiry Committee will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members.

“Ex-gratia of Rs.10 lakh each would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to stampede and Rs.2 lakh to injured. Shrine board to bear the cost of treatment of injured,” tweeted the office of the Lieutenant Governor.