4 July 2024: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has urged for an impartial investigation into the tragic stampede in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, which resulted in the loss of over 120 lives, predominantly women.
Prof. Salim Engineer, Vice President of JIH, expressed deep sorrow over the incident in a statement to the media. “We are deeply saddened by this heart-wrenching tragedy. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
Prof. Salim Engineer stressed the urgent need for the government to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation to uncover the causes of the stampede. “It is essential to investigate whether the due diligence and safety protocols were adequately followed to prevent such a catastrophe,” he stated.
Criticizing the district administration, Prof. Salim Engineer pointed out their failure to anticipate and manage the large crowd. “The administration did not foresee the magnitude of the crowd and lacked a contingency plan for emergencies. This oversight significantly contributed to the disaster,” he remarked.
He called on the government to implement stringent measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. “Ensuring safety at religious gatherings and public events should be a top priority. The government must take all necessary actions to safeguard lives and prevent such tragedies from recurring,” Prof. Salim Engineer asserted.
