President condemns attack on Amarnath pilgrims

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday condemned the attack on Amarnath pilgrims, and called for "collective action" against terrorism.

In a letter to Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra, Mukherjee said he was "deeply shocked and anguished to learn about the cowardly attack on Amarnath Yatris".

"Such senseless acts of terrorism targeting innocent lives is an attack on the democratic values of society and deserve to be universally condemned. They must be met with determination and collective action.

"I call upon the state government and all concerned agencies to ensure that the guilty are brought to justice and law and order is maintained in the State. I am sure necessary steps are being taken to provide all possible aid to the bereaved families who have lost their near and dear ones as well as medical assistance to the injured," he said.

President Mukherjee also expressed condolence to the families of those who died in the attack and wished speedy recovery to the injured.

Seven people were killed and 19 others were injured when terrorists opened fire at a bus in Jammu and Kashmir's Khanabal area on the Jammu-Srinagar highway on Monday evening. The state police has blamed the LeT terror group for the attack.

--IANS

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