SRINAGAR: After the widely condemned killings of seven Amarnath pilgrims in a militant attack on police, the Chief Minister and the head of the state, the governor remained too busy for most of the day. While both of them flew to the airport to bid an adieu to the slain pilgrims, six of them women, they visited the hospital and met the survivors.
Later, in the afternoon, VVIPS started landing in Srinagar. Everybody required a brief from the two top persons handling the most sensitive state.
Two ministers from Delhi
Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, MoS MHA and Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS PMO landed in Srinagar. They were accompanied by Gyanesh Kumar, Joint Secretary (J&K). They drove to Raj Bhawan and had a detailed meeting with the Governor N N in the evening.
Governor and the ministers discussed issues relating to the terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims near Khanabal, Anantnag late last evening, which resulted in the death of seven yatris and 19 being injured. They also discussed matters relating to more effectively dealing with the terrorist activities and ensuring the safety of all those who visit the State. Governor noted the need for all communities to maintain peace and harmony in all the regions of the State.
They later called on Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti. During the meeting, the leaders expressed deep anguish over the yesterday’s attack in which seven Amarnath yatris were killed and conveyed sympathies with the bereaved families.
The two ministers assured the Chief Minister of all out support from the Centre in maintaining law and order and a peaceful Amarnath yatra this year.
Army chief in Srinagar
General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff, also met Governor at the Raj Bhavan here today. Governor and Army Chief discussed issues relating to the terrorists attack on a group of pilgrims from Gujarat near Anantnag late last evening, which resulted in the death of seven pilgrims and 19 being injured, 3 of them grievously.
Governor and Army Chief also discussed several inter-related internal-external security management issues and the steps required to be taken for more effectively dealing with terrorist activities and ensuring the safety of all those who visit the State.
Later, the army chief called on the Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti. The Chief Minister discussed several security related issues with the Army Chief.
Gen Rawat also briefed the Chief Minister about the security situation along the borders in the State.
SASB announces compensation
Governor Vohra, Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) reviewed the conduct of the Amarnathji Yatra, 2017, early morning.
Earlier, he met the Yatris injured yesterday in a militant attack on their bus near Khanabal, in Anantnag district. These pilgrims had been airlifted to Srinagar from where they are being taken in a special Indian Air Force aircraft to Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He spoke to the injured Yatris and inquired about the medical treatment given to them for their injuries.
Governor expressed his deep grief over this unfortunate incident and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families of those killed in the incident. On behalf of the Shrine Board he announced relief of Rs 5:00 lakhs to the next of kin of those killed in the incident; Rs1:50 lakh to those who had suffered grievous injuries and Rs 75,000 for Yatris with minor injuries. He also paid his last respects to the deceased pilgrims and placed wreaths on their mortal remains.
Governor announced a special reward of Rs 2.00 lakh to the driver of the bus, Sheikh Saleem Gafoor, resident of Valsad, Gujarat, whose alert responses saved the lives of many pilgrims because he kept the vehicle moving even when he was under heavy fire from the front and the wind-screen had been shattered.
Later, in a separate meeting, the governor reviewed the security of the pilgrimage. After a detailed discussion on what had gone wrong with the approach and procedures agreed to in the Yatra Security Review Meetings chaired by Governor on May 15, and June 22, 2017, Governor directed the heads of all the Security Forces to most critically review and ensure strict enforcement of extant Yatra Security arrangements and see that there was no let up whatsoever. He also advised the Security Forces Chiefs to maintain heightened surveillance and close co-ordination during the remaining period of the Yatra.
The meeting was attended by the senior most Civil, Police, Central Armed Forces Police, Army, State and Central Intelligence Agencies. These included B. B. Vyas, Chief Secretary; Dr. S.P. Vaid, Director General of Police; Lt. Gen. J.S. Sandhu GOC, 15 Corps; Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar, DG CRPF; Umang Narula, Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; R.K Goyal, Principal Secretary Home; Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister; Baseer Ahmed Khan, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; A. G. Mir, Inspector General of Police CID, J&K; Muneer Ahmed Khan, IGP Kashmir; S.N. Srivastava, Special DG CRPF; Zulifiqar Hasan, Inspector General CRPF (Ops), Kashmir; Ravi Deep Singh Sahi, Inspector General CRPF, Srinagar Sector; Sonali Mishra, Inspector General BSF, Kashmir; and Jitendra Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.
Priya Sethi at SKIMS
Minister of State for Education, Technical Education, Tourism, Culture, Horticulture, Floriculture and Parks, Priya Sethi, today visited Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura to enquire about the condition of Yatris injured in Anantnag attack on Monday, an official spokesman said.
The Minister interacted with the injured pilgrims and their attendants and assured them of all possible support from the Government for their treatment.
Terming the attack on Amarnath Yatris an act of cowardice, the Minister said that “we stand in solidarity with the victims and condemn this heinous attack.”
The Director SKIMS briefed the Minister about the condition of the injured pilgrims and informed her that two patients Pushpa (age 45) and Lalita are undergoing treatment and are out of danger.
She was further informed that Pushpa, who has suffered injuries in spinal areas, has been operated upon, while as Lalita, who has suffered multiple injuries was operated upon at District Hospital Anantnag and was referred to SKIMS for specialized treatment.
