Amarnath attack: How the hero bus driver drove through bullets to save many lives
The attack took place despite specific intelligence inputs about terrorists planning to target Amarnath pilgrims. The police said the bus was not a part of the yatra convoy which is being provided elaborate security.
Seven Amarnath pilgrims were killed and many others were injured when a bus they were travelling in was attacked by terrorists in Anantnag on Monday (July 10) night. It was raining bullets but remarkable courage and presence of mind shown by the bus driver prevented further casualties.
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today praised bus driver Salim Sheikh for showing immense courage and saving lives of nearly 50 Amarnath pilgrims.
"Want to thank bus driver for saving lives of people. Will nominate his name for bravery award," Rupani told reporters at Surat airport where he received those injured in the terror attack.
"God gave me strength to keep moving, and I just did not stop. Lagaatar firing ho rhi thi (Terrorists were firing indiscriminately)," said Salim.
HOW THE DRIVER SAVED MANY LIVES:
- It was about 8.20 pm on Monday. A white-coloured bus (GJ09Z9979) full of Amarnath pilgrims was travelling from Srinagar to Jammu.
- The bus was not officially registered with the Amarnath Shrine Board for the pilgrimage and was without police escort.
- As soon as the bus reached near Khanabal, 3-5 terrorists opened fire.
- It was pitch-dark outside and raining bullets. However, driver Salim Sheikh kept his cool.Salim Sheikh, the driver of the bus which was attacked by terrorists in Anantnag on July 10. (Photo/ANI)
- Yogesh Prajapati, one of the pilgrims who was inside the bus, told India Today TV, that the quick thinking driver saved many lives.
- "We ducked under our seats as bullets flew from all directions. Luckily, the driver didn't panic and kept on driving," Prajapati said.
- The driver stopped the bus at an intersection after driving for about a kilometer.
- Five of those killed were from Gujarat and two from Maharashtra.
- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has said the terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims in Anantnag is a "blot on all Muslims and Kashmiris".
- While visiting the injured in a hospital in Anantnag, she said the head of every Kashmiri hangs in shame over the incident.
- "Pilgrims come to Kashmir every year for the yatra despite all difficulties. And seven people died today. I have no words to condemn it. I hope the security forces and the Jammu and Kashmir police arrest the perpetrators forthwith and take stern action against them," the chief minister told reporters.
The attack took place despite specific intelligence inputs about terrorists planning to target Amarnath Yatra. Police said the bus was not a part of the yatra convoy which is being provided elaborate security.
According to the sources Ismail, a Lashkar operative from Pakistan, was heading the team of militants which carried out the attack.
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