Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 11: Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today rang up the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra and Gujarat and conveyed her deep sympathies to them on the death of seven yatris in a militant attack late last evening at Anantnag. The killed yatris in yesterday’s attack, it may be recalled, belonged to Maharashtra and Gujarat States.
Condemning the incident, the Chief Minister extended sympathies of the people of the State to their Maharashtrian and Gujarati brethren on this dastardly act. She told Devinder Fadnavis and Vijay Rupani that she and all the citizens of Jammu & Kashmir feel that the said incident is a death blow to the multicultural ethos the State has been known for.
Both the Chief Ministers thanked Mehbooba for her prompt response in reaching out to the affected yatris and supervising their rescue all through the night. They also appreciated the efforts being made by the State administration in facilitating the tourists and yatris from their States during this time.
Both Fadnavis and Rupani had a word of praise for the local people as well who unequivocally condemned the killings.
The Cabinet sanctioned a special package of ex-gratia in favour of nest of kin of those killed/injured in the terrorist violence on yatris yesterday.
Cabinet sanctioned Rs 6 lakh in favor of next of kin of those killed, Rs 2 lakh to the grievously injured and Rs 1 lakh to the injured in the terrorist attack.
The Cabinet also sanctioned an award of 3 lakh in favour of the driver of the bus, who exhibited exemplary alertness and courage during the incident.
The Cabinet directed the Finance Department to provide necessary additional funds for meeting the compensation/ex-gratia on most immediate basis for release to the next of kin of the deceased and to the injured.
Separately, Governor, N N Vohra, Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, has announced relief of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of those killed in the incident, Rs 1.5 lakh to those who had suffered grievous injuries and Rs 75,000 for yatris with minor injuries.
The Governor also announced a special reward of Rs 2 lakh to the driver of the bus, whose alert response saved lives of many pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the State Cabinet today 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 here, passed a resolution and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls, an official spokesman said.
The Cabinet observed two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed souls before passing the resolution.
The Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, wished for speedy recovery to those injured in the gruesome attack, the spokesman said.
Taking note of the outrage caused across the country by the dastardly act, and widespread and intense expression of concern and regret, the Cabinet observed that such “cowardly attacks will only strengthen the resolve of the Government and the society to fight violence with renewed commitment”.
The Cabinet vowed that such acts which strike at the roots of Kashmir’s value system and traditional ethos will not be tolerated.
It took note of the fact that the people of the State have condemned the act in one voice.
The Cabinet took resolve that with the cooperation of the people, the culprits will soon be brought to book and the fight against perpetrators of violence will be taken to its logical conclusion.
The Cabinet expressed deep appreciation for the heroic role played by the locals in Anantnag in providing immediate relief and succor to the victims.
It noted with gratitude the help they rendered to the yatris and the administration in managing the situation including the donation of blood, the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, the Centre today announced compensation of Rs 7 lakh for the next of kin of the Amarnath pilgrims killed in the Anantnag terror attack and Rs 1 lakh for the injured.
A Home Ministry spokesperson said the compensation will be given to the victims of yesterday’s terror attack as early as possible.
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