On late Monday, 7 pilgrims were killed and at least 15 injured in a terror attack against the Amarnath Yatris in Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The militants fired upon the bus ferrying the pilgrims back from Baltal. This attack drew sharp criticism across political circles.
The pilgrims, returning Baltal, were attacked near Bantagoo area in Anantnag. The bus was fired upon by the militants at 8:20 PM, said J&K police. A search operation was launched by the police and CRPF to nab the militants. The bus was ferrying a total of 60 to 70 pilgrims, who were returning from the Amarnath shrine.
The pilgrims attacked by the terrorists hailed from Gujarat, confirmed a top official of Jammu & Kashmir police. Although the attack is viewed as a serious breach of security, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) confirmed that the bus ferrying the pilgrims was not registered with the shrine board.
Raising the question of security, the attack on pilgrims raises speculation whether the route of Yatra would be altered, considering the volatile situation in South Kashmir. However, SDS Jamwal, inspector general of police in Jammu, reportedly said that no decision has been taken in this regard following the attack.
