Govt announces ex-gratia relief for Yatris affected in Botengo violence
Srinagar: The State Cabinet on Tuesday met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti and condemned the attack on Yatris (pilgrims) at Botengo, Anantnag terming it an attack on ‘Kashmiri’s syncretic culture and pluralistic values.’
While expressing ‘deep sorrow and anguish’ over the loss of precious lives, the Cabinet expressed its “sincere condolences with the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls”
In view of the outrage across the state and country caused by the attack, the Cabinet said that “such cowardly attacks will only strengthen the resolve of the Government and the society to fight violence with renewed commitment”
The Cabinet further added that “with the cooperation of the people, the culprits of this heinous crime will soon be brought to book.”
The Cabinet also observed a two minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed souls before passing the above resolution.
The Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti sanctioned a special package of ex-gratia in favour of the next of Kin of those killed/injured in the attack on Yatris (pilgrims) on July 10, 2017 at Batengo (Anantnag).
The Cabinet sanctioned Rs 6 Lakh in favor of Next Of Kin of those killed, Rs 2 Lakh to the grievously injured and Rs 1 Lakh to the injured in the incident.
The Cabinet also sanctioned an award of 3.00 lakh in favour of the driver of the bus, who exhibited exemplary alertness and courage during the incident.
In another news, Governor, N N Vohra, Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has announced relief of Rs 5 Lakh to the next of kin of those killed in the incident, Rs 1.5 Lakh to those who had suffered grievous injuries and Rs 75,000 for Yatries with minor injuries.
The Governor also announced a special reward of Rs 2 Lakh to the driver of the bus, whose alert response saved lives of many pilgrims.
Seven Amarnath pilgrims were killed and 19 injured, after a suspected militant attack on the government forces in Batengoo, a village between Khanbal and Bejbehara, an area of Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.
