Hindu American Foundation calls attack on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims ‘Unconscionable’

The United States also condemned the attack

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) on Monday condemned the terrorist attack on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims that killed seven people from Gujarat, who were returning after the annual Amarnath Yatra in the Kashmir Valley.

The organization called the attack as “unconscionable” and urged US administration to designate Hizbul Mujahideen a foreign terrorist organization.

“This was an unconscionable attack on innocent pilgrims exercising their most fundamental and basic rights to freedom of religion,” HAF board member Rajiv Pandit said in a statement. “We urge the Trump Administration to designate Hizbul Mujahideen as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and clamp down on Pakistan for its continued support of Hizbul and other terrorist groups carrying out attacks in India.”

The bus carrying Amarnath pilgrims was attacked on Monday by the terrorist when they opened fire at Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district around 8.20 p.m. According to the reports, the bus was not a part of the main Yatra convoy and at least 20 more were injured.

“Hindu pilgrims continue to remain at extreme risk of violence in Kashmir,” Samir Kalra, HAF’s senior director, said. “The Jammu and Kashmir state government and security forces must take all necessary precaution to protect pilgrims and ensure that the Amarnath Yatra continues safely and without further incident.”

According to reports, Monday’s attack was carried out by the Lashkar-e-Toiba and was masterminded by a Pakistani terrorist Ismail. Several political organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party, the National Conference and the Congress called for a bandh in Jammu on Tuesday as a protest against the killings.

The United States also condemned the attack and said that the country is against all acts of terrorism.

“We deplore the attack on #Amarnath pilgrims & condemn all acts of terrorism. Deepest condolences to the families & all those affected,” US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires MaryKay Carlson tweeted.

We deplore the attack on #Amarnath pilgrims & condemn all acts of terrorism. Deepest condolences to the families & all those affected.

— U.S. Ambassador to India (@USAmbIndia) July 11, 2017