Governor N.N. Vohra, Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) today morning reviewed the conduct of the Amarnathji Yatra, 2017. Sh. UmangNarula, CEO, SASB informed that 4836 Yatris on the Baltal Route and 5776 Yatris on the Pahalgam Route had commenced their pilgrimage today and 3289 pilgrims had left Jammu early today for Baltal and Pahalgam Yatra Base Camps.Early today morning, Governor N.N. Vohra met the Yatris injured yesterday in a terrorist attack on their bus near Khanabal, in Anantnag district. These pilgrims had been airlifted toSrinagar from where they are being taken in a special Indian Air Force aircraft to Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He spoke to the injured Yatris and inquired about the medical treatment given to them for their injuries.
Governor expressed his deep grief over this unfortunate incident and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families of those killed in the incident. On behalf of the Shrine Board he announced relief of Rs. 5:00 lakhs to the next of kin of those killed in the incident; Rs.1:50 lakh to those who had suffered grievous injuries and Rs. 75,000 for Yatris with minor injuries. He also paid his last respects to the deceased pilgrims and placed wreaths on their mortal remains.Governor announced a special reward of Rs.2.00 lakh to the driver of the bus, Sh. Sheikh Saleem Gafoor, resident of Valsad, Gujarat, whose alert responses saved the lives of many pilgrims because he kept the vehicle moving even when he was under heavy fire from the front and the wind-screen had been shattered.