The President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoledthe loss of lives in a stampede at Kamtanath Pahad Temple in Madhya Pradesh.

In his message to Shri Ram Naresh Yadav, Governor of Madhya Pradesh, the President has said "I am extremely saddened to learn about the stampede at Kamtanath Pahad Temple in Madhya Pradesh, in which a number of devotees, including women lost their lives and many others were injured. I understand relief and rescue operations are currently underway.

I call upon the State Government and other authorities to provide all possible aid to the bereaved families, who have lost their near and dear ones as well as medical assistance to the injured.

Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons”.

This release issued at 1330 hrs.