Attack on pilgrims is crime against humanity: Sonia

NEW DELHI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday termed the attack on Amarnath pilgrims “a crime against humanity” and called for decisive action against its perpetrators.

Gandhi said the government should order a thorough probe into any security lapses.

She expressed shock over the death of seven pilgrims in the militant attack that took place around 8.20pm in Anantnag district of south Kashmir and asked the government to

provide immediate medical assistance to the injured.

“The attack on the devotees of Lord Shiva is a crime against humanity. The entire nation is in shock,” she said in a statement.

The government should ensure the safety of the pilgrims, she said.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi said India will never be intimidated by “these terrorist cowards”.

“I share the pain and anguish of families who lost their loved ones in the terror attack on innocent Amarnath Yatris today,” he tweeted.

ATTACK AGAINST KASHMIRIYAT, SAYS CM MEHBOOBA

SRINAGAR: Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed shock and anguish over the killing of the yatris, who were guests of Kashmir.

She said the perpetrators of the crime have dealt a death blow to the ethos and culture of the state.

Mufti said the time had come for every right thinking Kashmiri to rise against the macabre menace before it devours everybody around.

“It is a gruesome attack not only on unsuspecting guests but a brazen attack on Kashmir and Kashmiriyat and all of us shall have to rise against this scourge of violence sooner the better,” she said.

The chief minister directed the state administration to provide all possible security to the yatris.

She called for quality treatment to the injured.

It is a gruesome attack not only on unsuspecting guests but a brazen attack on Kashmir and Kashmiriyat and all of us shall have to rise against this scourge of violence sooner the better. MEHBOOBA MUFTI, J&K chief minister