AMN
The President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister have stongly condemned the attack on pilgrims. In a tweet, President Pranab Mukherjee expressed his grief over the loss of innocent lives in the incident.
7 Amarnath pilgrims were killed and 19 injured when a bus they were traveling in was caught in crossfire between terrorists and security forces in Khanabal area of Anantnag district. The mortal remains of seven pilgrims, the 19 injured and remaining 32 were airlifted today in a special aircraft from Srinagar and were taken to Surat. Police said, all the deceased have been identified.
Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, in a message said, such wanton acts of violence can have no justification and the perpetrators should be punished for this crime against humanity.
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. The Prime Minister said, he spoke to Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and assured all possible assistance required.
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.
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.
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.
Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said, the attack is an act against humanity. He said it brings bad name to state of Kashmir and no religion accepts such cowardly behavior. Mr Naidu expressed confidence that the Jammu and Kashmir government and Central security forces are making all arrangements for safety of Amarnath pilgrims.
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.