AMN
All political and social groups across India particularly Kashmir strongly condemned the attack on Amarnath pilgrims and expressed deep sorrow and grief over the killings of yatris and expressed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
The meeting of 18 opposition Parties was chaired by Sonia Gandhi today passed a resolution saying, ‘we the leaders of opposition parties strongly condemen the cowardly attack, Deepest sympathies for the families of victims.This is an attack on humanity,plurality of India,Kashmiriyat.We call upon the govt to bring to book the perpetrators.The govt also needs to introspect the intelligence failure’-Ghulam Nabi Azad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has 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 was pained beyond words on the dastardly attack on peaceful Amarnath Yatris. The Prime Minister spoke to Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and assured all possible assistance required.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in his telephonic call to the Governer and Chief Minister, sought details of the attack. Mr Singh also directed officials to ensure foolproof security in future.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi and leaders from other political parties also condemned the attack.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said the terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims in Anantnag is a blot on all Muslims and Kashmiris. While visiting the injured in a hospital in Anantnag, she said efforts will be aimed at ensuring that quick action is taken against the culprits and justice is done.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called for rising against such inhuman actions and gruesome menace.
Seven Amarnath pilgrims, including six women, were killed and 21 injured in a terror attack in Anantnag district of Kashmir valley last night.
Police said that a bus carrying the pilgrims was attacked at around 8.20 pm near Khanabal when it was on its way to Jammu from Srinagar. In the worst attack since the 2001 on the annual pilgrimage, terrorists fired on a police picket near Khannabal. When the police retaliated, the militants fled, firing indiscriminately. The bus carrying the yatris got in between the cross fire.
Police said the bus from Gujarat was not a part of the yatra convoy which is being provided elaborate security. Police sources said bus driver violated rule for the pilgrimage, that no yatra vehicle should be on the highway after 7 p.m. as the security cover is withdrawn after that.
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 interacted with the surviving passengers of the bus. A report:
Security sources said Lashkar e Toiba cadres are suspected to be involved in yesterday’s attacks.
Meanwhile, Amid tight security arrangements, the 12th batch of Shri Amarnathji pilgrims consisting of 3, 289 pilgrims left for Kashmir Valley from Jammu this morning.
According to police sources the batch left for Kashmir Valley from Bhagwati Nagar Jammu base camp, at around 3:30 this morning.