Amarnath yatra terror attack: Incident an assault on J&K syncretic culture, says state Cabinet

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet on Tuesday condemned in unequivocal terms the terrorist strike on Amarnath pilgrims terming it an attack on the state’s syncretic culture and pluralistic values. [caption id=“attachment_3752549” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Nirmal Singh. Getty Images[/caption] Expressing deep sorrow and anguish over the loss of lives, the Cabinet, which met here, passed a resolution and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls, an official spokesman said. The Cabinet observed two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed souls before passing the resolution. The Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, wished for the speedy recovery to those injured in the gruesome attack, the spokesman said. Taking note of the outrage caused across the country by the dastardly act, 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”. The Cabinet vowed that such acts which strike at the roots of Kashmir’s value system and traditional ethos will not be tolerated. It took note of the fact that the people of the state have condemned the act in one voice. The Cabinet took resolve that with the cooperation of the people, the culprits will soon be brought to book and the fight against perpetrators of violence will be taken to its logical conclusion. The Cabinet expressed deep appreciation for the heroic role played by the locals in Anantnag in providing immediate relief and succour to the victims. It noted with gratitude the help they rendered to the yatris and the administration in managing the situation including the donation of blood, the spokesperson said.