Jaitley calls for 'elimination of terrorism' post Amarnath Yatra attack

Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday condemned the Amarnath terror attack in which seven pilgrims were killed and 15 others injured in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, and also called for 'elimination of terrorism'.

"This incident should add to our determination to eliminate terrorism. Terrorist attack on #AmarnathYatra is the most reprehensible act. My condolences to the bereaved families," he said on Twitter.

The incident was also condemned by other political leaders including Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, Digvijaya Singh, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and others.

Rahul Gandhi held Prime Minister Narendra Modi responsible for the 'grave unacceptable security lapse.'

"This is a grave unacceptable security lapse. The PM needs to accept responsibility and never allow it to happen again," he tweeted.

He further said that India will never be intimidated by these terrorist cowards.

Meanwhile, senior party leader Digvijaya Singh said that the incident was evidence of the deteriorating condition of Kashmir.

"The Jammu and Kashmir government should accept responsibility and take strict action against the guilty," he said in a tweet.

BJP chief Amit Shah also expressed grief over the incident and dubbed it as heinous act.

"Cowards responsible for this barbaric act will not be spared. I have spoken to the BJP District President and MLC from Anantnag and asked our karyakartas in Kashmir to help the pilgrims in need," he added.

Condemning the incident, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said his government is in contact with the Jammu and Kashmir Government and military to ensure proper treatment and medical attention for the injured.

"I condemn this cowardly attack. India will never get bogged down by such acts. Six people from Gujarat's Valsad have lost their lives in Anantnag terror attack," Rupani said

Separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also condemned the incident and said the pilgrims have and will always be respected guests.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi also took to Twitter to condemn the attack.

The Prime Minister said, "India will never get bogged down by such cowardly attacks & the evil designs of hate."

"Pained beyond words on the dastardly attack on peaceful Amarnath Yatris in J&K. The attack deserves strongest condemnation from everyone," he tweeted.

Prime Minister Modi further said that he spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and has assured all possible assistance.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi also expressed deep condolences over the killing pilgrims by terrorists.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also spoke Governor Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba and assured full assistance to help the injured.

At least seven Amarnath Yatra pilgrims were killed and 15 others injured on Monday evening when terrorists attacked a bus carrying the pilgrims in Batingoo, near Anantnag district of the state.

According to sources, the pilgrims were from Gujarat, and struck by terrorists in Anantnag at around 8:20 p.m.

The injured pilgrims have been rushed to the hospital in Anantnag for medical treatment.

Chief Minister Mehbooba also visited the hospital to meet the injured pilgrims.