Amarnath Attack: Woman Succumbs to Injuries, Death Toll at Eight
Seven Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, including six women, are dead.
- Terrorists targeted a bus carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims on 10 July in Anantnag, killing eight and injuring 17.
- LeT was behind the deadly terror attack, says IG Kashmir Muneer Khan on Tuesday
- Army Chief Bipin Rawat reviewed security situation in the state
- The yatra has not been disrupted, and is continuing as per the plan
- Opposition parties question Modi-Mehbooba governments
- Centre, States announce compensation for victims’ kin
Woman pilgrim succumbs to injuries in Srinagar
A woman, who was injured in the deadly militant attack on Amarnath pilgrims, succumbed at Srinagar's SKIMS Hospital on 16 July. The deceased has been identified as Lalita, a 47-year-old pilgrim, a police official said.
With this, the death toll in the 10 July attack has climbed to eight.
Search For Mastermind on
Security forces have launched a massive hunt for Pakistani national and Lashkar-e- Taiba (LeT) commander Abu Ismail who has emerged as the mastermind of the deadly terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims, a senior police official said.
Jammu and Kashmir police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe into the attack on Amarnath yatris in the Anantnag district of the state.
The SIT is headed by SP Pani, DIG South Kashmir. The team also includes Altaf Ahmad Khan, SSP Anantnag.
The government has also sounded the "highest alert" across Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of Monday's attack in Anantnag district of Kashmir in which seven Amarnath pilgrims, including six women, were killed.
Indo-Pak Buses Diverted As Phagwara Observes Bandh
The residents of Phagwara cutting across religions observed a day-long bandh today in protest against the killing of seven Amarnath pilgrims in a terrorist attack in Kashmir.
Addressing the rally, Gulam Sarvar Saba, a member of the Punjab Haj Committee, called the killing of Amarnath pilgrims an "anti-Islamic act".
Gandhi Family Responsible for Problems in Kashmir: BJP Responds to Rahul
The BJP on Wednesday hit out at Rahul Gandhi for attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and “not terrorism”, after his return from “vacation”, hours after the Congress vice president said Modi’s policies had created space for terrorists in Kashmir.
Union minister Smriti Irani said the challenges around Kashmir were a legacy of the Nehru-Gandhi family and that “the country knows it”.
“After his return from vacation, Rahul attacks Modi, and not terrorists. I want to ask when Mani Shankar Aiyar (Congress leader) sought Pakistan’s help in removing Modi from power and bring in the Congress, was it Rahul’s personal agenda or political agenda?” she asked.
When the Army chief was called a “goonda”, she said, referring to remarks of Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit, was it Rahul’s personal agenda or political?
China, Pakistan Mum on Amarnath Attack amid World Outrage
Denouncement of the Amarnath terror attack by the international community continued to come in but India's two major neighbours, China and Pakistan, have not commented on it.
The Portuguese government condemned the attack and expressed its support for the authorities and solidarity with the Indian people, while the Spanish President in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India can count on Spain in the fight against terrorism.
The US, the UK, France, Germany, Russia, Norway, Canada, Iran apart from The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries-- Afghanistan, Bangladesh. Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal-- are among those which have already condemned the attack.
White House Strongly Condemns Amarnath Terror Attack
Joining the condemnation pouring in from across the world, the White House on Wednesday strongly condemned the "cowardly" Amarnath terror attack and said the US and India will continue to fight together against terrorist threats in every part of the world.
In a statement, the White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer also said that an attack on religious freedom is an attack on the most fundamental right of liberty.
"The United States strongly condemns the cowardly terrorist attack on religious pilgrims in the state of Jammu and Kashmir on July 10. We extend condolences to the victims' families and the people of India. An attack on religious freedom is an attack on the most fundamental right of liberty. The United States and India will continue to fight together against terrorist threats in every part of the world," the statement said.
2 Pakistanis Among 4 Terrorists Involved in Amarnath Attack: MHA
Four terrorists, two of them Pakistanis, are suspected to have been involved in the attack on Amarnath pilgrims in which seven devotees were killed, home ministry officials said.
Quoting intelligence inputs, the officials said Pakistani national and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Abu Ismail was the mastermind of Monday's attack and he was assisted by another Pakistani and two local militants.
A massive manhunt has been launched for the four terrorists, who are also believed to have used two motorcycles to escape from the scene after attacking the pilgrims bus, officials said.
They said the Gujarat registered bus, which was attacked, reached at Jammu on 7 July and got registered at Amarnath shrine facilitation centre.
Initially, the bus was part of the regular convoy of the pilgrims and travelled together till Baltal.
Modi's Policies Created Space for Terrorists in Kashmir: Rahul Gandhi
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on 12 July blamed PM Modi's policies and the BJP alliance with J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's PDP for the increase in terror attacks in the Kashmir Valley including the Amarnath Yatra terror attack on Monday.
In a series of tweets, Gandhi said Modi's policies have created space for terrorists in Kashmir which is a grave strategic blow for India.
'Highest Alert' Sounded in J&K After Amarnath Attack: MHA
A "highest alert" has been sounded across Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the killing of seven Amarnath pilgrims by militants, the Home Ministry said.
The alert was issued after a central ministerial team comprising Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh and Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir visited Kashmir and held extensive discussions with the top brass of the security establishment, Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on the prevailing situation.
"Considering the unfortunate loss of life and injuries suffered by the yatris (pilgrims) in the recent terror attack, the entire security apparatus has been put on the highest alert by the ministers," a home ministry statement said.
Shutdown in Pahalgam Market
The market in Pahalgam near the Nunwan base camp of the Amarnath yatra observed a shutdown on Wednesday to protest against the terror attack on pilgrims.
Several trade bodies including the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, travel and tourism players; and civil society groups yesterday held silent protest against the attack.
Separatist groups including both factions of Hurriyat Conference and JKLF have also condemned the attacks on the pilgrims saying those behind the incident were not friends of Kashmiris.
"Militancy Is Going to Outlive Its Life Soon"
Post the recent attack on Amarnath Yatris, Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh and Minister of State (Home) Hansraj Ahir addressed the media in Srinagar on Wednesday.
Singh congratulated the people of J&K on the “resilience they have maintained for the last 25 years”. He said that militancy is going to outlive its life soon and that “we are in the last phase of militancy”.
He agreed with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement on Tuesday that “all Kashmiris are not terrorists” after a social media troll had told the Home Minister to “just drag those cowards out and cull them”.
Singh went on to acknowledge the “huge” contribution of the security forces and said:
Ministers Meet CM Mufti
Minister of State (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh and Minister of State (Home) Hansraj Ahir met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in Srinagar.
During the meeting, leaders expressed deep anguish over Monday’s terror attack on Amarnath yatris and conveyed sympathies with bereaved families.
Encounter Underway in J&K's Budgam
An Encounter is underway in Budgam district's Redwora area, between terrorists and security personnel. Two to three terrorists suspected to be trapped, reported ANI.
Opposition Flays Modi, Mehbooba Governments
A day after seven Amarnath pilgrims lost their lives in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the opposition on Tuesday slammed the Narendra Modi government at the Centre as well the Mehbooba Mufti-led state government for failing to provide security.
Describing the terror attack as "inhuman and barbaric", the Congress sought "decisive action" against those involved.
Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury asked why precautionary measures were not taken for the safety of the pilgrims despite intelligence inputs.
#NotInMyName Stands Up For Attack on Amarnath Yatris
A group of protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Tuesday, as an extension of the #NotInMyName protests, to condemn the attack on Amarnath Yatris in Jammu and Kashmir.
#NotInMyName was organised, across India, in May to condemn mob lynching atrocities.
Ministers Meet Injured Yatris
Minister of State (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh and Minister of State (Home) Hansraj Ahir arrived at SKIMS Hospital in Srinagar to meet the Amarnath Yatris who were injured in the attack.
Army Chief Reviews Security in J&K
Army chief Bipin Rawat held a meeting with army officers in Srinagar to review the security situation in the state.
Following the meeting to check the security situation, the Rawat called on Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra.
Attack on the State's Syncretic Culture: J&K Cabinet
The Jammu and Kashmir cabinet on Tuesday condemned in unequivocal terms the terrorist strike on Amarnath pilgrims, terming it an attack on the state's syncretic culture and pluralistic values.
Expressing deep sorrow and anguish over the loss of lives, the cabinet, which met in Srinagar, passed a resolution and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.
The cabinet vowed that such acts which strike at the roots of Kashmir's value system and traditional ethos will not be tolerated.
J&K Civilians Hold Protest
Civilians from Jammu and Kashmir held protests in Srinagar to condemn the attack on Amarnath Yatris.
Speaking to The Quint, during the protest, 20-year-old Mariyeh Mushtaq said,
Centre, States Announce Compensation
Centre announced Rs 7 lakh compensation to next of kin of each of the Amarnath pilgrims killed in Jammu and Kashmir attack, and Rs 1 lakh each for those injured.
Jammu and Kashmir government announced Rs 6 lakh compensation for kin of each Amarnath pilgrim killed in militant attack, and Rs 2 lakh for the injured.
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of each of the deceased, and Rs 2 lakh each to the injured.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced Rs 10 lakhs each to next of kin of pilgrims from the state who lost their lives.
Thought Crackers Were Being Burst, Says Attack Survivor
When 55 year-old Pallavi Abhyankar, who was in the bus that was attacked by terrorists in Kashmir on Monday, heard the gunshots, her first impression was that crackers were being burst.
The homemaker, who also runs music classes, said the bus driver's presence of mind saved many a lives.
Govt Must Explain: AK Anthony
Former Defence Minister and Congress leader AK Antony condemned the attack on Amarnath Yatra by calling it “shocking and sad”.
'Condemning Incident Will Not Suffice'
The Shiv Sena on Tuesday said the attack on Amarnath pilgrims is an assault on the entire nation and the government, and it is high time that such dastardly incidents are given a befitting reply.
President Condemns Attack
President Pranab Mukherjee strongly condemned the attack on Amarnath pilgrims. He asked the Jammu and Kashmir government, and concerned agencies to ensure that those behind attack on Amarnath pilgrims are brought to justice.
Union Ministers to Meet CM Mufti
Minister of State (PMO) Jitendra Singh and Minister of State (Home) Hansraj Ahir are scheduled to meet Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday.
The ministers will also hold a security review meeting.
State Submits Amarnath Yatra Attack Report to MHA
The report submitted by Jammu and Kashmir police to Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the bus carrying Amarnath Yatris was a part of a convoy and made an unscheduled stop for repairs, according to News 18.
Security Tightened in Amarnath
Security has been tightened in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, where the Amarnath Yatris were attacked on Monday evening.
J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is currently chairing a cabinet and security meeting in Srinagar.
J&K Announces Reward to Yatri Bus Driver
The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced a cash reward of Rs 3 lakh to the driver of the yatri bus Sheikh Saleem Gafoor, for showing "exemplary courage and presence of mind" while driving through the bullets.
Governor N N Vohra, in his capacity as chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), also announced relief of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of those killed, Rs 1.50 lakh to those who had suffered grievous injuries and Rs 75,000 for Yatris with minor injuries.
Vohra also announced a special reward of Rs 2 lakh to the driver of the bus.
Impose Central Rule in J&K: Swamy
BJP leader Subramanian Swamy attacked the Jammu and Kashmir government and said that “central rule must be imposed through Governor”.
'This Was A Heinous Attack'
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the attack on Amarnath Yatris by calling it a “heinous” attack. He added that no one should play politics over the attack and that the government would have to answer some questions “if not today, tomorrow”.
Other Countries Condemn Attack
US Embassy in India condemned the attack on Amarnath yatris by stating that that they “deplore the attack on Amarnath pilgrims”.
German Envoy to India Martin Ney also condemned the attack.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condemning the “dastardly Amarnath Yatra Attack”. The letter conveyed the condolences of government and people of Bangladesh.
France also released a statement condemning the attack that claimed the lives of several pilgrims who were travelling to Amarnath shrine.
Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack saying that “terrorists don’t respect any religion”.
Cabinet Meeting Underway
Cabinet and security meeting chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is currently underway in Srinagar.
Militants First Attacked the Bunker: CRPF
Militants first attacked the combined bunker of STF, SOG & CRPF at 8:15 pm at Khannabal and ran away towards Batingu, according to an official CRPF statement.
There was retaliation fire with no casualties, the statement mentioned, adding that the militants then attacked the pilgrims who were in a bus (GJ 09 J 9976) near Batingu and escaped towards Arwani.
'The Doomed Bus Got Caught in Crossfire'
A Jammu and Kashmir police source told The Quint that the bus ferrying Amarnath pilgrims was caught in a crossfire between suspected militants and security forces in south Kashmir.
Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Meets Injured Victims
Mortal Remains of Victims Brought to Surat
The bodies of seven Amarnath pilgrims killed in the terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir were today brought to Surat airport along with the injured people in an IAF plane as angry protests were held across the state against the attack.
How Bus Driver Saleem Helped Saved Lives
Saleem, who was driving the bus at the time of attack, saved many lives by driving the bus away the moment the firing started.
Javed Mirza, Saleem’s cousin, proudly told ANI:
Commenting on the ordeal, Saleem said:
Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani said that he would nominate Saleem’s name for a bravery award.
Show Them You Are Not Afraid: Farooq Abdullah
Former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah appealed to people to not let the attack frighten them.
This Wasn't a Lapse in Security: BJP Gen Sec
BJP’s National General Secretary and incharge the party's Jammu and Kashmir Affairs Ram Madhav said on Tuesday that the attack was not a result of lapse in security.
Undeterred, Another Batch of Pilgrims Sets Off For Amarnath
Undeterred by the attack on Amarnath pilgrims, hundreds of devotees on Tuesday set off for the cave shrine amid stepped up security measures.
Chanting 'Bam Bam Bhole', the pilgrims set for the arduous trek from both the traditional Pahalgam and shorter Baltal routes early this morning, an official of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) said.
The exact number of pilgrims who embarked on the yatra on Tuesday morning is not known yet.
Meanwhile, the security has been beefed up along all routes leading to the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps in Anantnag and Ganderbal districts respectively.
Additional police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed en route to the holy cave shrine to prevent repeat of any such incident, a police official said. He said investigations have been launched into the attack and a few people have been detained for questioning.
Head of Every Kashmiri Hangs in Shame Over Attack: Mehbooba
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said the terror attack is a "blot on all Muslims and Kashmiris".
While visiting the injured in a hospital in Anantnag on Monday, she said the head of every Kashmiri hangs in shame over the incident.
She said efforts will be made to ensure that quick action is taken against the culprits and justice is done.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh Calls For High-Level Meet
A high-level meeting was held at Home Minister Rajnath Singh's residence in New Delhi on Tuesday. The minister called the meeting to review the situation following the attack. The meeting took stock of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, security of Amarnath pilgrims and how to prevent such possible attacks in the future, official sources said.
Intelligence Bureau director, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Research and Analysis Wing chief, home secretary-designate Rajiv Gauba and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials attended the meet.
After it ended, PM Modi was briefed about the security developments in the area by Doval.
A high-level central team led by Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir, along with Joint Secretary (Kashmir) Gyaneshwar Kumar, will also visit Jammu and Kashmir to assess the security of the pilgrimage to the high altitude cave shrine located in the Himalayas.
Director General of CRPF RR Bhatnagar has already reached Srinagar to review the deployment of the central forces in the pilgrimage route. He will also attend a security review meeting convened by Governor NN Vohra in Srinagar.
Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti will chair a cabinet meeting on Tuesday to decide the future course of action.
Members of National Party Panthers Hold Protest in Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir’s National Party Panthers protested in Jammu on Tuesday over the attack.
The attack was also unanimously condemned by Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Amarnath Attack Carried Out by LeT Militants: IG Kashmir
The attack on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims was carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba and masterminded by Pakistani militant Ismail, Muneer Khan, IG Kashmir, told ANI on Tuesday morning.
Amarnath Yatra to Continue as Planned
Divisional Commissioner Mandeep Bhandari on Monday said the Amarnath Yatra will continue from Jammu on Tuesday.
Bodies of Victims to Be Airlifted to New Delhi: Deputy CM
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh said the deceased and the injured will be airlifted to Delhi on Tuesday.
The helicopter sent by the MHA to airlift bodies reached Srinagar at 10 am.
The deputy chief minister, who accompanied Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to Anantnag, said the injured were out of danger.
Seven Pilgrims Dead As Terrorists Target Bus
In a rare attack on the Amarnath Yatra, terrorists killed seven pilgrims and injured 19 others, including policemen, when they struck at a bus carrying them in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantang district on Monday. Of those killed, five were from Gujarat and two from Maharashtra.
The bus was attacked in Batengoo at around 8:20 pm while returning from Baltal to Mir Bazar after darshan, J&K police and CRPF said. The militants also carried out two attacks on security forces in the area.
Police sources said the bus was without police escort. The attack is being seen as the worst on the annual pilgrimage since 2000.
(With PTI and ANI inputs)
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