Pilgrims gather to take a holy dip in the sacred waters of Sangam, the confluence of Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers, on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya' during the Maha Kumbh Mela festival, in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025.
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The chaos erupted in the early hours of the morning, though the exact cause of the stampede remains unclear. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the victims' families and wishing a swift recovery for the injured. He assured the public that he is in constant communication with state officials to manage the situation effectively.
The significance of the festival was heightened this year due to a rare celestial alignment occurring after 144 years, making this particular holy dip especially auspicious for Hindu devotees. The event, known as 'Mauni Amavasya,' draws millions seeking spiritual purification and blessings. To accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims, authorities had established an extensive temporary infrastructure, including a sprawling tent city, over 3,000 kitchens, 150,000 toilets, communication towers, roads, and 11 hospitals.
Despite the presence of approximately 50,000 security personnel deployed to maintain order, the sheer density of the crowd led to an uncontrollable situation. Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic as people scrambled to find safety amidst the overwhelming rush of devotees.
Stampedes have been a recurring risk at the Maha Kumbh Mela, given the staggering number of attendees. In 2013, a similar tragedy occurred when a stampede at the Allahabad railway station left 36 dead. Authorities continue to investigate the causes of the current disaster and assess additional safety measures for the remainder of the festival.
As the Hindu community mourns the loss of lives, there are growing calls for improved crowd management strategies at large-scale religious events. While the Maha Kumbh Mela remains a deeply spiritual occasion, ensuring the safety of millions of worshippers will be a critical challenge for future gatherings.
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//Kinshasa Protests Erupt Over M23 Rebel Advance: Embassies Attacked, Tyres Burned//
A City in Turmoil
Responding to a call from a youth collective urging citizens to “Paralyse the City,” hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Kinshasa’s upscale Gombe district. The protests quickly turned violent as they targeted the embassies of Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, France, Belgium, and the United States, blaming these nations for either supporting M23 or failing to intervene in the crisis.
Angry protestors accused Rwanda and Uganda of directly aiding the M23 rebels, who launched a rapid offensive in North Kivu province, reaching Goma’s outskirts and seizing control of its airport after fierce street battles. Demonstrators also criticized the broader international community for what they see as diplomatic complacency.
“Enough is enough, we’re going to destroy everything here. Today, we’re going to finish with Rwanda,” shouted one protester in front of the Rwandan embassy to the cheers of the crowd. Nearby, thick smoke rose from burning tyres, symbolizing the rising tensions in the country.
Embassies Vandalized and Looted
As fury mounted, the perimeter wall of the French embassy was set alight, with graffiti scrawled across it reading: “Betrayal over a long period of time … let’s end it now.” Protesters also stormed the Ugandan mission, looting furniture and other items before escaping on motorcycles and taxis.
The embassies of Belgium and the United States were similarly targeted, with demonstrators decrying their perceived failure to take a stronger stance against Rwanda and Uganda. The scenes of destruction underscored the depth of frustration felt by many Congolese citizens who see foreign involvement as exacerbating the conflict.
Heavy Police Presence and Government Response
Members of the Congolese National Police’s special units were deployed to guard diplomatic buildings, but they struggled to contain the widespread unrest. Protesters blocked major roads with burning tyres, further paralyzing parts of the city. Images from the protests showed riot police standing guard outside embassies as tensions flared.
The Congolese government later expressed regret over the “vandalism committed by the demonstrators,” while also acknowledging the deep frustrations that led to the outpouring of anger. Officials urged calm but did not shy away from addressing accusations of foreign interference in the conflict.
The Roots of the Crisis
The protests in Kinshasa are a direct response to the ongoing violence in North Kivu, where M23 rebels have made significant territorial gains. The group, which was previously defeated in 2013, has resurged with alarming speed, allegedly with the backing of Rwanda and Uganda—claims that both nations deny. The rebels’ capture of Goma, a vital regional hub, has only deepened fears of prolonged instability.
As the crisis unfolds, Congolese citizens continue to demand decisive action from both their own government and the international community. With tensions running high, the path forward remains uncertain, but the message from Kinshasa’s streets is clear: the people will not stay silent in the face of perceived betrayal and inaction.
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