Punjab Govt announces Rs one lakh exgratia to Naina Devi victims

Chandigarh, Aug 3 (UNI) The Punjab Government would pay an ex gratia of Rs one lakh to the next of kin of the deceased in the Naina Devi tragedy this morning.

The announcement was made by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal here this evening.

He also announced that free medical aid would be provided to the injured devotees. A number of dead and injured devotees are from Punjab.

Mr Badal spoke to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and offered all possible assistance. Mr Badal would also visit Naina Devi tomorrow and meet the injured devotees, a majority of whom are admitted in hospitals in Anandpur Sahib, Ropar and Nangal.

Meanwhile, Local Government, Industries and Commerce Minister Manoranjan Kalia and Information and Public Relations Minister Bikram Singh Majithia also expressed their shock over the tragedy.

SAD president and Lok Sabha MP Sukhbir Singh Badal also conveyed his condolences to the members of the deceased families.

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