New Delhi

Prof. Salim Engineer, Vice President, of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has expressed grief at the deaths of 30 pilgrims at Mahakumbh, at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Posting his message on X, Engineer said. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, which has claimed the lives of many innocent devotees. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families in this moment of grief.”

He said, “We stand in solidarity with those who have lost their loved ones and pray for patience and strength in this time of grief.”

He said, "This incident once again underscores the urgent need for meticulous planning and crowd management in such vast gatherings.

"The safety and well-being of pilgrims must be the highest priority. Seamless arrangements for the common devotees must be ensured, and the administration should not neglect the fundamental responsibility of prioritizing their safety over special services and access for VIPs.

"The Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government must take responsibility and immediately address the shortcomings in their arrangements.

"The lives of ordinary pilgrims deserve the same level of care and protection as the VIPs and special guests. I urge the authorities to take corrective measures to prevent such tragedies in the future."