Srinagar
A Gujarati bus driver who saved 52 Amarnath pilgrims, during an attack by militants has been awarded the ‘Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak’, the second highest honour given to civilians for gallantry.
The award was announced by the Home Ministry ahead of the Republic Day on Thursday to bus driver Sheikh Salim Gafur.
Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak is the highest honour given to civilians for gallantry.
Gafur has been selected for the honour as he displayed some rare grit and bravery and continued to drive the bus of the Amarnath pilgrims, which came under attack by the militants on July 10, 2017, in Jammu and Kashmir, a home ministry official said.
Besides, the award, Gafur will also be honoured with Rs one lakh cash at a special function later.
