Highlights: High-level probe ordered into Vaishno Devi stampede, yatra resumes

The committee set up by the Jammu and Kashmir administration has been asked to submit the report of the probe into the Vaishno Devi stampede earlier in the day, within a week. Read here.

Four people who were injured in Saturday morning's stampede at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra are currently in serious condition and are on ventilators, according to authorites of the hospital they have been admitted to.

“First casualties arrived at our hospital at around 3 am. We received around 15 patients but four of them were in serious condition. They were unconscious when they reached the hospital and they are still in the ICU on ventilators,” news agency ANI reported Dr JP Singh, neurosurgeon at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, as saying.

The Centre has instructed the authorities to provide better treatment to the injured and move them immediately to a hospital with best facilities if necessary, reports news agency ANI.

Speaking to ANI, minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was monitoring the situation. 

"The local administration has been given instruction that if there is a need for better treatment for the injured ones, then they should be shifted to another hospital where best facilities are available without any delay," he added.

Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha informed on Saturday that Union home Minister Amit Shah has been briefed about the stampede and a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the incident. 

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

Meanwhile, the yatra has resumed, people familiar with the development confirmed.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi mourned the deaths in a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. "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.

The head priest of the shrine, Pandit Sudarshan, has appealed to the pilgrims to stay calm and avoid creating chaos at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. He has expressed grief at the loss of lives at the shrine.

As many as 12 people have been confirmed dead so far in a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Jashmir's Katra. According to officials, the stampede was triggered by a heavy rush of devotees. At least 13 others were injured during the stampede and are currently undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.  

An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra, J&K. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM Modi

An ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh for the next of kin of those who died in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra; ₹2 lakh for the injured: J&K LG Manoj Sinha