~ On behalf of the Co-Chairs, Trustees, Directors and Members/Affiliates of the Hindu Council UK
The Hindu Council UK condemns strongly the barbaric attack on Amarnath pilgrims, in which devotees have been killed. It is a cowardly and shameful act to target innocent, peaceful and unarmed pilgrims. We stand together with the people of India against the elements who are trying to destabilise the country. This attack is not only on the pilgrims going for the Amarnath yatra…..but an attack on the entire country – our India !
We express our deep condolences & sympathies to those who have been killed, injured and to their families and also to the Government of India and the people of India.
The Amarnath Yatra must continue with heightened security as we must not let these Islamic terrorists defeat us. We are grateful to hear that the Chief of the Army Staff General-Bipin Rawat, has said that the Indian security forces will counter this menace with greater resolve.
Seven Amarnath pilgrims from Gujarat were killed and 14 others injured when terrorists opened fire on a bus near Batengoo in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Monday night. The bus, bearing a Gujarat registration number, was on its way from Baltal to Jammu when the attack took place.
Had it not been for the driver, the toll would have been more. The driver sped the bus away amid the firing and reached a safe distance out of harm’s way, saving the lives of many of the piligrims on the bus. The bus had over 50 pilgrims from Gujarat and Maharashtra, including 11 from Dahanu in Palghar district. Most of them were sleeping when their vehicle was attacked.
The perpetrators of such barbaric acts of violence and terrorism and those who support and shelter Islamic terrorists must be punished.
World Leaders have also come out in support of India and said the World stands by India in the fight against Islamic terrorism and extremism.
In the UK, Hindu Temples and Hindu Organisations across the country are holding prayers for the victims of the attack.
Sanjay Jagatia
Director/Secretary General
Hindu Council UK