In Jammu & Kashmir, seven Amarnath pilgrims including six women were killed and 21 others injured when a bus they were traveling in was caught in crossfire between terrorists and security forces in Khanabal area of Anantnag in south Kashmir late last evening. A police official in Police Control Room Anantnag told that all the injured are stable.
Security sources said the bus was on way to Jammu from Baltal in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district and was not a part of the yatri convoy. A multi layer security arrangement is already in place for the to and fro travel for the Yatris registered with the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.
Reports said the 40 member group of travellers had visited cave shrine two days back and after staying in Srinagar were returning via national highway to Jammu for onward journey.
Soon after the attack Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti along with senior ministers and top civil and police officials rushed to the spot to assess the situation. She had interaction with the surviving passengers of the bus that was caught in the cross fire attack. Mufti said the terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims in Anantnag is a blot on all Muslims and Kashmiris.
AIR correspondent reports that all political and social circles across Kashmir condemned the attack and expressed deep grief over the killings of yatris and expressed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called for rising against such inhuman actions and gruesome menace. Security sources said Lashkar e Toiba cadres are suspected to be involved in yesterday’s attacks.
Five of those killed were from Gujarat and two from Maharashtra. Police said, the deceased from Gujarat were identified as Hasuben Ratila Patal, Surakha Ben and Lakshimiben S Patal from Valsad, Ratan Zeena Bhai Patal of Daman and Prajapati Champaben of Navsari. Those from Maharashtra were Nirmala Ben Thakor, a resident of Palghar, and Usha Mohanla Sonkar of Danu.
President Pranab Mukherjee has strongly condemned the attack on Amarnath Yatris in Jammu and Kashmir. In a tweet, Mr Mukherjee expressed his grief over the loss of innocent lives in the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stongly condemned the attack and asserted that India will never get bogged down by such cowardly attacks and evil designs of hate. In a tweet Mr Modi said he pained beyond words on the dastardly attack on peaceful Amarnath Yatris.
He said, the attack deserves strongest condemnation from everyone. Prime Minister said he spoke to Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and assured all possible assistance required.
The Home Minister, in his telephonic call to the Governer and Chief Minister, sought details of the attack. Mr Singh also directs officials to ensure foolproof security in future.
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley termed the attack as the most reprehensible act and said this incident should add to the nation’s determination to eliminate terrorism. The attack was also condemned by Sonia Gandhi and other leaders as well.
BJP President Amit Shah has expressed his grief on the killing of innocent pilgrims traveling to the holy shrine of Amarnath. In a tweet, Mr Shah said, it is a henious act and cowards responsible for this barbaric act will not be spared. Mr Shah said, he has spoken to the BJP District President and MLC from Anantnag and asked the party workers in Kashmir to help the pilgrims in need.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi also condemned the attack terming the attack as a crime against humanity and called for decisive action against its perpetrators.
Congress president said the government should order a thorough probe into any security lapses.She expressed deep shock over the death of pilgrims in the terrorist attack and asked the government to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured.
Last time, the Amarnath yatra was targeted in 2001 when terrorists had struck in the Sheshnag area close to the holy cave of Amarnath, killing 13 people.Prior to that, terrorists had attack Amarnath pilgrims in 2000 in Pahalgam area, killing 30 people.
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