J&K minister says attack on Amarnath pilgrims was ‘communal’

While Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said that the terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims in Anantnag was a “blot on all Muslims and Kashmiris”, a minister in her Cabinet went on a different trajectory, dubbing the attack on pilgrims as “communal”.

Minister for Health & Medical Education Bali Bhagat took to Facebook and posted: “Highly condemned the attack on Shri Amar Nath ji Yatries. This is a communal attack.”

Significantly, Lashkar-e-Taiba has denied its involvement in the attack and separatist leaders including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik condemned the attack. In a press statement, the trio said that the incident goes against the very grain of Kashmiri ethos.

Also, the civil society in Kashmir has condemned the attack and has decided to stage a sit-in protest in Srinagar against killing of the pilgrims.

Expressing grief over the killing of Amarnath Yatris in Anantnag on Monday, a native and adventure travel consultant, Rauf Tramboo, wrote on his Facebook wall: “Amarnath Yatra is part of our composite culture, heritage and hospitality. We can't afford to kill this treasure. It is not us.”

Noted RTI activist from Kashmir Raja Muzaffar Bhat wrote on his Facebook wall: “Those who killed Amaranth Yatris cannot be friends of Kashmiri people…”

Jamaat-e-Islami described the attack as a “gruesome incident” and demanded an impartial probe. “It is an act of cowardice and not justifiable from any angle and as such is condemned,” it said in a statement.

While the attack has elicited widespread condemnation in Kashmir Valley, Bali Bhagat drew flak with many asking him to refrain from getting political mileage out of a human tragedy.

“Sir, still you are crying secular and communal. Rise above it a bit. This is not opportune time for politics,” Sahil Anand commented on the minister’s Facebook wall.

“You all should resign and sit at home,” wrote Ashok Rotra. The controversial post, that has got over 550 likes, 300 comments and more than a dozen shares, also had many comments from followers, asking whether “condemnations” by the ministers in the state and the Central government absolved them of all responsibilities.

An hour later, the minister again wrote on his Facebook wall: “Director Health Services, Kashmir, has been directed to provide all possible help to the Yatris who have been injured in terrorist attack in district Anantnag.”

This post again drew viewers’ ire, with many wondering if the state’s health department works on his instructions only. “So he was waiting for your instructions. Don't crack jokes this time Mr minister,” quipped Ashish Mahajan.