3:44 PM: People Rolled On The Bus Floor Over One Another, Says Survivor
The survivors of the attack on pilgrims of the Amarnath Yatra are still coming to terms with what happened to them. But they have recounted how horrific the incident was, though the firing lasted for only a few seconds.
Amit Kumar, a resident of Rajasthan who works as a cook, told The Hindustan Times, "The firing did not last for more than 20 seconds. And, we could not see who was firing as it was dark outside. People just rolled on the bus floor one over another."
3:12 PM: Cabinet Meeting Chaired By Mehbooba Mufti Underway
An official has told PTI that a meeting of the cabinet is underway, discussing the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, in light of the attacks last night on Amarnath pilgrim that claimed the lives of 7 people.
The governor of the state, who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, had convened a security review meeting earlier in the day, attended by top civil administration, police, army, CRPF and intelligence officers of the state.
"The governor convened an emergency yatra security review meeting at 11 am today at which all security aspects of the yatra were reviewed," an official spokesperson told PTI.
3:05 PM: US, Germany Condemn Attack
Condolences are pouring in from all corners, here's what the US and German Ambassadors had to say:
2:42 PM: Those Behind This Horrific Assault Should Be Found And Punished, Says Amnesty International
The attack on the Amarnath Yatra drew condemnation from all quarters including Amnesty International.
Responding to news of the killing of seven pilgrims during the attack Aakar Patel, Executive Director at Amnesty International India, said, "Shooting at a bus carrying ordinary people on a pilgrimage shows utter contempt for human life and the fundamental principles of humanity. Those behind this horrific assault should be found and punished."
"The Jammu and Kashmir authorities must protect all civilians and ensure that they are not put in danger, while upholding human rights law and standards. They must guard against any attacks, including reprisal attacks, which could lead to more civilian casualties," Patel added.
1:40 PM: Did Not Stop, God Gave Me The Strength To Keep Moving, Says Salim The Driver Of The Bus
It was perhaps because of Salim's bravery, and quick decision to keep driving the bus that saved many lives last night. He recalls what happened last night:
Bhagya Mani, one of the pilgrims in the bus, told NDTV, "We were in the bus when firing was on from all the sides; the driver drove the bus for a kilometer. It was pitch-dark and we could see nothing."
And while Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani announced compensation for those who lost their lives in the attack, and those who were injured, he also thanked Salim.
1:35 PM: Bodies Of Victims Brought To Surat
PTI reports that an the bodies of the seven victims of the attack were brought to Surat on an Indian Air Force plane on Tuesday.
The injured were also brought back to Surat, where state Chief Minister Vijar Rupani met them:
1:30 PM: Oppn Parties Pass Resolution Condemning The Attack
PTI reports that Opposition parties have passed a resolution condemning the attack on the Amarnath Yatra.
12:00 PM: Was The Attack By Lashkar-e-Taiba Terrorists
In the latest in the attack on the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims last night, the police have reported that the bus was attacked by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists from across the border.
The Hindustan Times quoted Kashmir inspector general of police Muneer Khan as saying, "Initial investigation has revealed that the attack was carried out by Lashkar and a Pakistani militant Ismail is behind it. The investigation is on."
The newspaper also reported that despite the attack a fresh batch of over 3,000 have left for the yatra with a convoy of over 105 vehicles.
11: 58 PM: 'Show Them That You're Not Afraid"
Here's what former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir had to say about the attack:
11:57 pm: Ajit Doval Briefs Prime Minister Narendra Modi
PTI reported that NSA Ajit Doval has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation.
In the wake of the terror attack on the Amarnath Yatra on Monday night that left 7 people dead, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has called for a cabinet meeting to take stock of the situation.
IANS reports that Home Minister Rajnath Singh also held a security review meeting on Tuesday. The meeting, IANS reported, was to discuss the security lapses that may have led to the attack.
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