In a statement to the media, the Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Prof. Salim Engineer, expressed profound sorrow over the tragic stampede that occurred in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. This devastating incident claimed the lives of over 120 individuals, a majority of whom were women. “We are deeply saddened by this heart-wrenching tragedy. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families during this incredibly difficult time,” Prof. Salim Engineer stated. He emphasized the urgent need for the government to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry into the incident to determine the underlying causes. “It is essential to investigate whether the due diligence and safety protocols were adequately followed to prevent such a catastrophe,” he added.
Prof. Salim Engineer further criticized the district administration, highlighting its apparent failure to anticipate the large crowds that gathered at the event. “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 avert 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.
