Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh conveyed condolences to the families of victims killed in a temple stampede Thursday.

He also announced compensation for the victims' families and the injured.

[Manmohan Singh, Indian Prime Minister]:
"I join all honorable members in conveying my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish speedy recovery to normal health of those who have suffered injuries. I've decided to make from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, an ex-gratia payment of rupees 200,000 each to the next of kin of the deceased and rupees 50,000 to the seriously injured."

The incident occurred after hundreds of people ran in panic following the collapse of a wooden gate. Some people were crushed to death under the gate, while others tripped and came under the feet of the rushing crowd as they tried to escape through a narrow corridor.

More than half of the 65 people killed, were children.

Event organizers have also given compensation to the families of those killed and injured, with a promise to help them in future as well.

But the news of compensation did not bring any relief to the family members of the deceased.

[Ramesh Mishra, Father of Two Children Killed in Stampede]:
"What will we do with the money? We have lost our children, we do not want any money, we want both of our children back."

In India, stampedes are relatively common at temples, where thousands gather to pray during holy festivals.