NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the third time on Wednesday to review the situation at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, following a stampede-like incident during the ‘Amrit Snan’ on ‘Mauni Amavasya.’ The prime minister is closely monitoring the situation and has been in constant touch with the chief minister, providing directives to ensure relief efforts and restore normalcy, official sources told news agency PTI.”PM Modi spoke to Yogi Ji about the situation at the Kumbh Mela, reviewed the developments, and called for immediate support measures,” an official added.Union home minister Amit Shah also contacted Yogi Adityanath to evaluate the incident at Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya celebrations at the Mahakumbh Mela, assuring full support from the Centre. Officials reported multiple potential casualties following a crowd control incident at Sangam, where millions had gathered for the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya.Also See:Maha Kumbh Stampede”On the Sangam routes, a stampede-like situation arose after some barriers broke. Some people have been injured and are under treatment. It is not a serious situation,” said special executive officer Akanksha Rana, according to news agency ANI.Rescue operations are ongoing, with those injured in the crowd surge receiving treatment at hospital. The incident coincides with the expected gathering of 80 to 100 million devotees at the Sangam Ghats for the ‘Amrit Snan’.In response to the chaos and growing crowds, the Akharas have called off their traditional ‘Amrit Snan’ for Mauni Amavasya, though large numbers of devotees continue to take a holy dip at Sangam and other ghats in the Mela area.Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur urged visitors to consider alternative bathing sites, emphasising that both the Ganga and Yamuna hold ‘Amrit’ at this time.”I did not go to the Sangam Ghat because the size of the crowds over there is massive. I appeal to the people that not insist on taking a bath at the Sangam Ghat only. The entire Ganga and Yamuna rivers are ‘Amrit’ right now,” he said.Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya also urged the devotees to remain in their camps, stating that, “I appeal to all the devotees that because a large crowd has gathered in Prayagraj today, they should not insist on taking a holy dip only at the Sangam Ghat. As of now, they should not leave their camps and look for their security.”‘Mauni Amavasya,’ the occasion of the second Shahi Snan, is expected to attract 80-100 million devotees. Other key bathing dates during the Maha Kumbh include February 3 (Basant Panchami – Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
Maha Kumbh stampede: PM Modi, Amit Shah speak to Yogi Adityanath, call for immediate support | India News
