Azad condemns attack on Amarnath pilgirms

Congress leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday condemned the killing of Amarnath pilgrims in a militant attack in the Valley. Seven pilgrims died and 14 others received injuries in the incident.

"It is unfortunate. The militants will have to pay through their nose," Azad said.

Azad said it was to be seen if the militants involved were locals or from Pakistan.

"Our culture, Kashmiriyat does not permit to kill people on pilgrimage... People born in Kashmir, even militants, will not commit such a crime," Azad said.

"The government of India and the state government have miserably failed to maintain law and order and control militancy in the state," he added.

Seven Amarnath pilgrims were killed and 14 others injured, including policemen, on Monday when a bus full of pilgrims was caught in a crossfire between militants and a police party in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantang district, police said.

The bus was carrying pilgrims back from Baltal after performing the yatra.

A CRPF statement said the bus was not part of the official yatra and not registered with the Amarnath Shrine Board.

--IANS

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