US deplores attack on Amarnath pilgrims

The US on Tuesday deplored the terrorist attack on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed seven lives.

"We deplore the attack on Amarnath pilgrims and condemn all acts of terrorism," Mary K. Carlson, Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy here, tweeted.

"Deepest condolences to the families and all those affected," she said.

On Monday night, six women and a man were killed and 19 others injured when militants opened fire at an unescorted bus from Gujarat at Khanabal in Anantnag district on the Srinagar-Jammu highway.

Two of the women were from Maharashtra and the others belonged to Gujarat. The bodies of the two Maharashtra women were to be sent to their hometown. Of the 19 injured, eight pilgrims were from Maharashtra.

The 40-day Amarnath pilgrimage began on June 29 and will end on August 7. So far, nearly 140,000 pilgrims have reached the cave shrine.

--IANS

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