Aug 4, 2008

Mishap at Naina Devi Shrine

Yesterday 150 pilgrims died at the shrine of Naina Devi, which is one of the Shakti Peeths formed where the eyes of Sati fell following the tragedy at Kankhal. The deaths resulted from a stampede that had been set off by rumors of a landslide. It is said that there were about 30,000 pilgrims who had gathered on the festive occasion.

The frenzied reaction of a section of the Hindu community on the Internet was expected. They have immediately blamed the Government of India for not providing sufficient safeguards. They have called on the Government to ensure adequate facilities at all Hindu shrines. And they have cited the Government’s readiness to concede to such demands from Muslims. That this tragedy has taken place while the protest against the Amaranth issue is at pitch has evoked stronger reactions.

These people unfortunately do not realize that there can be no protection against rumormongering. Railings meant to protect individuals cannot withstand the pressure of thousands of people. Due to the growth in population and the religious resurgence the crowds at Hindu shrines are continuing to grow. I am not aware of the topography of the Naina Devi shrine but I know of several shrines that can be reached only through narrow alleys, where organizing for better logistics would entail bringing down existing buildings and this again would be unacceptable.

One part of the grouse voiced on such occasions is unfortunately true. The Government of India continues to pander to minority religions because they make excellent vote banks. And this hurts the Hindus who then raise the ante. Currently the Haj committee has applied for doubling the number of Haj pilgrims citing an increase in the Muslim population. Elections are round the corner. Let us see how the Government responds.