‘Crime against humanity’: PM, Sonia, Jaitley condemn attack on Amarnath pilgrims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned on Monday the killings of seven Amarnath pilgrims, saying he was “pained beyond words” and “India will never get bogged down by such cowardly attacks and the evil designs of hate”.

At least seven pilgrims from Gujarat were killed and several wounded when militants fired on their bus as well as a security vehicle in Anantnag district of Kashmir on Monday, police said.

Here’s how political leaders reacted to the attack:

Arun Jaitley

“Terrorist attack on #AmarnathYatra is the most reprehensible act. My condolences to the bereaved families,” defence minister Arun Jaitley tweeted. “This incident should add to our determination to eliminate terrorism.”

Rahul Gandhi

“I share the pain & anguish of families who lost loved ones in the terror attack on innocent Amarnath Yatris today,” Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

Amit Shah

“I pray for the families of those who have lost their lives and wish speedy recovery to the injured,” BJP national president Amit Shah. “Cowards responsible for this barbaric act will not be spared.”

Sonia Gandhi

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

Omar Abdullah

“The one thing we had all feared this year during the yatra. In spite of recent successes against militants & unprecedented force presence,” National Conference leader Omar Abdullah

Mehbooba Mufti

“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,” Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said.