Cabinet condemns attack on Yatris, announces ex-gratia
The State Cabinet which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti condemned in unequivocal terms the terrorist attack on Yatris (pilgrims) at Botengo, Anantnag terming it an attack on Kashmiri’s syncretic culture and pluralistic values. While expressing deep sorrow and anguish over the loss of precious lives, the Cabinet expressed its sincere condolences with the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls. The Cabinet wished for speedy recovery of those injured in the gruesome attack.
Taking note of the outrage caused by the dastardly act across the state and the country, and widespread and intense expression of concern and regret, the Cabinet observed that such cowardly attacks will only strengthen the resolve of the Government and the society to fight violence with renewed commitment and vowed that such acts which strike at the roots of Kashmir’s value system and traditional ethos will not be tolerated. The Cabinet took note of the fact that the people of the State have with one voice condemned the dastardly act.
The Cabinet resolved that with the cooperation of the people, the culprits of this heinous crime will soon be brought to book and the fight against perpetrators of violence will be carried to its logical conclusion.
The Cabinet expressed deep appreciation for the heroic role played by the local people of Anantnag, in providing immediate relief and succor to the victims of the attack. It noted with gratitude the help they rendered to the Yatris and the administration in managing the situation including the donation of blood.
The Cabinet observed two minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed souls before passing the above resolution.
The Cabinet which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti sanctioned a special package of ex-gratia in favour of NoKs of those killed/injured in the terrorist violence on Yatris (pilgrims) on July 10, 2017 at Batengo (Anantnag).
Cabinet sanctioned Rs 6 Lakh in favor of NoKs of those killed, Rs 2 Lakh to the grievously injured and Rs 1 Lakh to the injured in the incident.
The Cabinet also sanctioned an award of 3.00 lakh in favour of the driver of the bus, who exhibited exemplary alertness and courage during the incident.
The Cabinet directed the Finance Department to provide necessary additional funds for meeting the compensation/ex-gratia on most immediate basis for release to the NoKs of the deceased and to the injured.
Separately, Governor, N N Vohra, Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has announced relief of Rs 5 Lakh to the next of kin of those killed in the incident, Rs 1.5 Lakh to those who had suffered grievous injuries and Rs 75,000 for Yatries with minor injuries.
Governor also announced a special reward of Rs 2 Lakh to the driver of the bus, whose alert response saved lives of many pilgrims.
KV Correspondent
