Following a stampede-like incident at the Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured the public that the situation is under control. He confirmed that although a few devotees sustained serious injuries, the overall situation remains stable. The incident occurred as approximately eight to ten crore people gathered for the 'Amrit Snan' on Mauni Amavasya. Several individuals feared injured were immediately transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Understanding Mauni Amavasya and Its Importance
Mauni Amavasya holds significant religious importance during the Maha Kumbh Mela, with millions of devotees attending the ritual to bathe in the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam. Hindus believe that taking a dip in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers during the Kumbh Mela, especially on special bathing dates like Mauni Amavasya, cleanses one's sins and provides 'moksha' or salvation.
This year's 'Amrit Snan' on Mauni Amavasya is expected to attract around 10 crore pilgrims, with estimates from Uttar Pradesh officials indicating that nearly 5 crore people arrived at the Sangam for the ritual. Following Kumbh Mela traditions, Akharas representing the three main sects – Sanyasi, Bairagi, and Udaseen – perform the holy dip in a prescribed sequence after their procession to the Sangam Ghat. Seers, saints, and ash-smeared Nagas traditionally immerse themselves in the confluence of the sacred rivers as part of the significant spiritual event.
1. Akharas Cancel Mauni Amavasya 'Amrit Snan' Following Stampede-like Situation
A stampede-like incident occurred at the Maha Kumbh, leading the akharas to cancel their scheduled Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan. Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad President, Mahant Ravindra Puri, explained the decision, stating that all saints and seers had been prepared for the snan but were informed of the incident before proceeding. "Due to the incident this morning, we have decided to call off the snan," Puri told PTI.
2. PM Modi Holds Emergency Review with UP CM Yogi Adityanath
In response to the stampede-like situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately called Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. They reviewed the developments and held multiple discussions to ensure swift action was taken. The situation remains under close monitoring.
3. Spiritual Leader Urges Caution Amid Tensions at Sangam
In the wake of the stampede-like situation, spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur advised people to exercise caution and avoid taking the elderly and children to the crowded Sangam area. Thakur emphasized that people should not believe rumors and reassured that authorities are managing the situation effectively. He further noted that he had safely bathed in the Ganga and still received the same spiritual benefits.
4. Crowd Size Decreases; Akhara Chief Calls for Discussion on ‘Snan’
After the stampede-like situation, Akhara leaders noted that the crowd was gradually thinning. Mahant Ravindra Puri mentioned that discussions were ongoing with the Mela administration to possibly conduct the Amrit Snan once the crowd size reduced and the situation normalized.
5. UP CM Urges Devotees to Take Holy Dip at Nearby Ghats
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged devotees to take a holy dip at the nearest Ganga ghat instead of attempting to reach the crowded Sangam area. In a post on X, Adityanath reminded devotees to follow the administration's instructions and not pay attention to rumors. He assured that peaceful bathing was happening across all ghats.
6. Eyewitness Describes Panic During Stampede-like Incident
Ramesh Kumar, an eyewitness at Sangam, recalled the panic and chaos that ensued as people tried to rush to the banks to take a holy dip. "I had to run to the Akhara area for safety as the police were overwhelmed," he said, describing how ambulances were constantly arriving to transport the injured.
7. PM Modi Calls UP CM for Third Time to Review Situation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued to monitor the unfolding situation at the Maha Kumbh, calling Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath a third time to discuss measures being taken to restore order and provide relief.
8. Akhilesh Yadav Blames Mismanagement for Stampede, Calls for Relief
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav condemned the stampede-like situation, calling it "extremely sad" and blaming mismanagement by the authorities. In a post on X, Yadav urged the UP government to provide immediate medical assistance and improve arrangements for the safety of devotees, including transportation and accommodation.
9. Ineffective Barricade System Contributes to Chaos
An official speaking to The Indian Express admitted that the barricade system was insufficient for managing the crowd, which led to long walkways and bottlenecks, especially during the 'Shahi Snan.' The mismanagement of these choke points contributed to the chaos, overwhelming police resources.
10. Mallikarjun Kharge Criticizes Mismanagement, Calls for Immediate Action
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the UP and central governments for their failure to manage the Kumbh Mela. He urged them to address the situation immediately, focusing on the welfare of devotees rather than VIP movement, and called for better arrangements for accommodation, food, and medical care.
11. Arvind Kejriwal Appeals for Patience and Caution
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his condolences for the victims and called on devotees to remain patient and cautious. He urged the public to adhere to the instructions of the administration and prioritize safety during the pilgrimage.
12. AAP Leader Criticizes Yogi Adityanath’s Absence
Opposition leaders, including AAP spokesperson Anurag Dhanda, criticized Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for being absent from the Kumbh Mela during such a significant event. Dhanda pointed out that Adityanath was in Delhi for a political campaign while the safety of devotees was compromised.
13. BSP Chief Mayawati Expresses Concern Over Tragic Incident
BSP leader Mayawati described the stampede as a deeply distressing incident. She extended her condolences to the families of those affected and hoped that the victims would find the strength to cope with their loss.
14. Yogi Adityanath Provides Update on the Situation
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the media, confirming that while some devotees had suffered serious injuries, the situation was now under control. He stated that around 8-10 crore people were present at the event, and measures were being taken to provide medical assistance. Adityanath also urged devotees to take holy dips at ghats closest to them and follow official instructions.
15. Medical Treatment for Injured Devotees Underway
Yogi Adityanath assured the public that injured devotees were receiving medical care at hospitals. He also mentioned that special trains had been arranged to help devotees return to their homes safely.
16. Akhilesh Yadav Calls for Military Intervention in Kumbh Management
In the aftermath of the stampede, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav called for the army to take over the administration and management of the Maha Kumbh to restore faith in the system. Yadav criticized the government's claims of a "world-class system," which he said had been exposed as ineffective.
17. Rahul Gandhi Slams Mismanagement and VIP Focus
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP-led government for focusing on VIP movement over the needs of common devotees. He pointed to mismanagement as a key factor in the tragedy and called for a change in approach to prevent future incidents.
The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has been marred by a stampede-like situation, leading to widespread criticism of the handling of the event. Authorities have taken steps to ensure the safety of devotees, while political leaders from various parties have called for improvements in crowd management and relief efforts.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
