Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Aug 8: Tragedy struck Shivkhori cave shrine in Ramsoo area of Reasi district where two pilgrims were killed and another got seriously injured when shooting stones hit them near the shrine, here this afternoon.
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While one of the pilgrims died on the spot , another succumbed to his injuries on way to the hospital. The third injured pilgrim was undergoing treatment at Pouni hospital and his condition was stated to be stable.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident while injured would be given Rs 50 thousand each and the UT Government will bear the cost of their treatment.
The mishap took place this afternoon around 3 pm when shooting stones and huge boulders rolled down from top of the mountain and fell near entrance of the cave shrine hitting three devotees who were waiting for their turn to pay obeisance.
Hit by the shooting stones, one of the three pilgrims died on the spot while another succumbed to his injuries on being shifted to hospital. They had sustained fatal head injuries.
The deceased were identified as Nirmal Singh (35 yrs), son of Ranjeet Singh, resident of Gunda Khawas Rajouri and Sarvan Singh(45 yrs), son of Ram Singh, resident of Uttar Pradesh. Sarvan Singh was presently working as a labourer at Katra and had come to Shivkhori for paying obeisance at the cave shrine.
The third pilgrim, who was also injured in this incident and shifted to CHC Pouni for treatment, has been identified as Sahib Sahani (30 yrs), son of Ram Singar, resident of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. His condition was stated to be stable.
The shooting of stones triggered panic among the devotees who had arrived there in bug number for paying obeisance at the cave shrine as today was last Monday of the ongoing Savan month, which is considered as most pious period of the year as per Hindu beliefs. All the devotees rushed to safety and the yatra remained suspended for some time.
Police team and district administration rushed to the spot and shifted bodies of the deceased as well as the injured pilgrim to hospital. Later the yatra was also resumed.
On the direction of Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Babila Rakwal personally visited the spot and took stock of the situation. Talking to the Excelsior, she said that the Lt Governor was personally monitoring the situation and had issued necessary directions to the administration for providing all necessary assistance to the bereaved families and ensure best possible treatment to the injured.
She further informed that direction has been issued to immediately start work for tin shed on the uncovered area near the cave shrine for avoiding any such mishap in future.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives during the unfortunate incident, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakhs each for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50 thousands each to the injured besides free treatment.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh also expressed his grief over the death of two pilgrims and spoke to DC Reasi besides assuring necessary assistance for the victims.
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