Anantnag: Leaders across the political spectrum came together to condemn the attack on Amarnath Yatris in Kashmir which left seven pilgrims dead and 19 others injured. The attack, which occurred in Kashmir’s Anantnag district, is the worst attack on the annual pilgrimage since the year 2001.
Five of those killed were from Gujarat and two from Maharashtra.
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, a Jammu and Kashmir police spokesperson said.
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Those from Maharashtra were Nirmala Ben Thakor, a resident of Palghar, and Usha Mohanla Sonkar of Danu.
The pilgrims had completed their yatra two days ago and were on their way from Srinagar to Jammu when the attack occurred.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reacting to the attack said Maharashtra strongly condemns the cowardly attack in J&K. “Our deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” he adds.
Maharashtra strongly condemns the cowardly attack on #AmarnathYatra pilgrims in J&K.
Our deepest condolences to the bereaved families.— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 10, 2017
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has condemned the attack and issued a state-wide alert. BJP has also cancelled the events with Amit Shah and Ram Nath Kovind that had been planned in the state for today.
Leaders from various political parties strongly condemned the attack. Here’s what they had to say:
PM Narendra Modi: Pained beyond words on the dastardly attack on peaceful Amarnath Yatris in J&K. The attack deserves strongest condemnation from everyone. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the attack in J&K. My prayers with the injured. India will never get bogged down by such cowardly attacks & the evil designs of hate.
Mehbooba Mufti: The head of every Kashmiri hangs in shame over the attack…Pilgrims come to Kashmir every year for the yatra despite all the difficulties. And seven people died today. I have no words to condemn it. I hope the security forces and the Jammu and Kashmir police arrest the perpetrators forthwith and take stern action against them. This incident is a blot on all Kashmiris and Muslims. We will not keep quite till we bring the culprits to book.
Ram Nath Kovind: The attack on Amarnath yatris has caused me a lot of pain. I condemn this cowardly terrorist attack and express my deep condolences to the families of the dead and injured.
Amit Shah: I pray for the families of those who have lost their lives and wish speedy recovery to the injured… Cowards responsible for this barbaric act will not be spared.
Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik released a joint statement: The incident goes against the very grain of Kashmiri ethos. The Amarnath yatra has been going on peacefully for centuries and is part of yearly rhythm and will remain so. Our heart goes out to the families of the bereaved and we express our heartfelt condolences.
Mamata Banerjee: Strongly condemn the attack on Amarnath yatris and the police. Terrorism unacceptable anywhere in the world.
Sonia Gandhi: The attack on the devotees of Lord Shiva is a crime against humanity. The entire nation is in shock. There should be decisive action against the militants and lapses in security should be probed
Rahul Gandhi: I share the pain and anguish of families who lost loved ones in the terror attack on innocent Amarnath Yatris today. India will never be intimidated by these terrorist cowards. This is a grave and unacceptable security lapse. The Prime Minister needs to accept responsibility and never allow it to happen again.
Ghulam Nabi Azad: It is unfortunate. The militants will have to pay through their nose. Our culture, Kashmiriyat does not permit to kill people on pilgrimage… People born in Kashmir, even militants, will not commit such a crime.
Omar Abdullah: Every right thinking Kashmiri must today condemn the killing of the Amarnath yatris and say, unequivocally – this is #NotInMyName
P Chidambaram: Every Indian including Kashmiris will condemn the attack on Amarnath Yatris. Yatris are the most peace loving people. Militants responsible for the attack have put to shame the entire Kashmir valley and its people.
