Amarnath Yatra pilgrims and tourists have been asked by the Jammu and Kashmir government to "immediately" cut short their stay in the Kashmir Valley and go back, in an unprecedented advisory amid intelligence inputs of terror threats. Pilgrims and tourists have never before, even at the height of militancy, been urged to leave Kashmir, which has seen a massive build-up of troops over the past week.

"Keeping in view the latest intelligence inputs of terror threats, with specific targeting of the Amarnath Yatra, and given the prevailing security situation in the Kashmir Valley, in the interest of safety and security of the tourists and Amarnath Yatris, it is advised that they may curtail their stay in the valley immediately and take necessary measures to return as soon as possible," the state government's notice said.

The advisory, which appeared to indicate an exceptional security scenario, set off panic in Srinagar, where people rushed to ATMs, petrol stations and medicine stores to stock up. Some waited for hours in queues only to find that fuel was over.

Former state chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah both targeted the central government. Jammu and Kashmir has been under central rule since June last year.

Ms Mufti said it "seems there's an attempt to end constitutional safeguards provided to Kashmir". She added that the advisory has created "chaos and panic."

The advisory for pilgrims and tourists was put out barely half-an-hour after the army and the Jammu and Kashmir police displayed a landmine and a sniper rifle to reporters, saying there were "confirmed intelligence reports" that terrorists backed by the Pakistan army were trying to disrupt the Amarnath Yatra.

The landmine with Pakistan ordnance factory markings and an M-24 American sniper rifle with a telescope had been found along the route of the annual pilgrimage to the Hindu cave shrine around 140 km from Srinagar.

If undiscovered, the mine would have caused huge casualties, the officers said.

"In the last three-four days, there were confirmed intelligence reports that terrorists backed by Pakistan and its army is trying to disrupt Amarnath Yatra and based on that a thorough search was conducted. We had major successes in these searches," said Chinar Corps Commander Lt General KJS Dhillon.

"The searches are still going on. The Pakistan Army is desperate to disrupt peace. This will not be allowed to happen. No one can be allowed to disrupt the peace," he said.

Over the past few days, the movement of central paramilitary personnel who are being airdropped in sorties, has fueled speculation about security threats in Kashmir.

Some 10,000 central troops were ordered to the state about a week ago and reports suggest more have been sent since then. The reports of a surge in troop deployment coincided with inputs of a terror strike around August 15 Independence Day celebrations. On Thursday, the centre reportedly sent over 25,000 more troops to Kashmir, fueling speculation that something major was afoot.

The last time Kashmir saw such heavy presence of troops was after the Pulwama terror attack in February, in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force soldiers were killed by a suicide bomber of the Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Get Breaking news, live coverage, and Latest News from India and around the world on NDTV.com. Catch all the Live TV action on NDTV 24x7 and NDTV India. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram for latest news and live news updates. </s> Hours after seven Amarnath pilgrims were killed and as many people were injured in a dastardly terrorist attack in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, the police claimed that the bus driver carrying the yatris had violated rules for the pilgrimage, which prohibits yatra vehicle to ply on a highway after 7 pm.

A police official stated that the militants launched an attack on an armoured car of the police at 8.20 pm and when the police fired back, they fled, firing indiscriminately. A bus carrying pilgrims was on the highway when the incident occurred. “In the firing by militants, seven people, five of them women, were killed, and another seven injured,” the official added.

The bus had come from Sonamarg as the pilgrims were on their way back after visiting the Amarnath shrine. In the wake of fresh attacks, internet services in Kashmir have been blocked.

According to PTI, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has called up J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Governor N N Vohra over terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims. Condemning the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that he was “pained beyond words on the dastardly attack on peaceful Amarnath Yatris in J&K.”

ALSO READ: Amarnath Yatra attack LIVE: Seven pilgrims killed, many injured as terrorists target yatris’ bus in Anantnag

The attack took place hours after the Jammu and Kashmir Police claimed to have busted a Lashkar-e-Taiba module with the arrests of two persons, including Sandeep Kumar Sharma alias Adil, a resident of Muzaffarnagar.

Reacting to the incident, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said: “the attack cannot be condemned strongly enough.” Omar wrote on Twitter, “Very sad news. The attack cannot be condemned strongly enough. My sympathies to the families & prayers for the injured.”

Earlier, the Amarnath yatra was suspended from Jammu due to the tense law and order situation in the Kashmir Valley for the death anniversary of militant commander Burhan Wani.

For all the latest India News, download Indian Express App </s> Amarnath Yatra terror attack: Security was stepped up across Jammu and Kashmir.

Highlights 19 pilgrims injured as terrorists opened fire on their bus Bus was not part of main Amarnath yatra convoy Terrorists also fired at a police party in Anantnag

All Amarnath Yatra pilgrims injured in the terror attack were rushed to hospitals.

The bus that came under attack was not part of the official Amarnath Yatra convoy.

Seven pilgrims on the Amarnath Yatra - six of them women - were killed on Monday in a terror attack in Anantnag at about 8:30 pm . At least 19 people were injured in one the worst terror strikes in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.Terrorists opened fire on a bus with the pilgrims who were returning after visiting the holy shrine that is located in a narrow gorge at the end of a valley nearly 50 km from Pahalgam.Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said in a statement: "This is an assault on our values and traditions which we hold dear. We will leave no stone unturned to root out the perpetrators of this heinous crime." She visited the injured at a hospital in Anantnag.Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, " Pained beyond words on the dastardly attack on peaceful Amarnath Yatris in J&K. The attack deserves strongest condemnation from everyone... India will never get bogged down by such cowardly attacks and the evil designs of hate."The bus that was fired on was registered in Gujarat. Police sources said that it had violated the rules of the pilgrimage which bans buses from travelling on a highway after 7 pm for security reasons. Ms Mufti said the bus had apparently broken down, delaying their return.The bus was also reportedly not part of the official tour for the Yatra which means that it was not given the customary police protection.The Press Trust of India said the terrorists - it is not clear how many there were - first opened fire an armoured police car whose occupants fired back. The pilgrims were then hit as the terrorists fired indiscriminately, the news agency said."We were sleeping when the firing started from both the sides. We don't know how many people were there," said a passenger.Before that, the same terrorists had reportedly opened fire on a security checkpost just 600 metres from where the bus was attacked.The journey begins usually from Jammu, which is 200 km from the shrine.The 40-day-long Yatra to the cave of Amarnath high in the mountains of South Kashmir commenced on June 28.With unprecedented security including a satellite tracking system and about 40,000 troops assigned to guard the pilgrims and their route.At the time, according to the Press Trust of India , a letter from a top police officer to other security officials warned of an intelligence alert that said "terrorists have been directed to eliminate 100 to 150 pilgrims and about 200 police officers and officials."The letter said the attack could target a Yatra convoy "which they believe will result in flaring of communal tensions throughout the nation."The letter by the police officer said further corroboration of the intel input was needed. The security cover for the Yatra includes soldiers from paramilitary forces, the army, the Border Security Force and the Jammu and Kashmir police.

Get Breaking news, live coverage, and Latest News from India and around the world on NDTV.com. Catch all the Live TV action on NDTV 24x7 and NDTV India. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram for latest news and live news updates. </s> NEW DELHI: Seven pilgrims, most of them women, were killed on Monday night in Jammu and Kashmir when terrorists opened fire on a bus returning from the Amarnath shrine. At least 20 more people were injured in one of the worst terror strikes in the state.

The police in Kashmir say the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba was behind the attack and the mastermind was a Pakistani terrorist, Abu Ismail.

The pilgrims’ bus was surrounded on three sides by the terrorists near a security checkpost at Anantnag and fired at. The same terrorists had first fired at an armoured police car around 8:30 pm.

The bus, which had pilgrims from Gujarat and Maharashtra, was on its way back from the Amarnath shrine located in a narrow gorge at the end of a valley nearly 50 km from Pahalgam. Police sources say the rules of the pilgrimage bans buses from travelling on a highway after 7 pm for security reasons but the bus had been delayed because of a breakdown. The bus was also reportedly not part of the official tour, which means that it did not have the standard police escort.

This morning, more than 3,000 pilgrims headed for Amarnath, many of them saying nothing would stop them from completing their pilgrimage. The number of vehicles escorting them has been increased by half.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has called a meeting to review security in Jammu and Kashmir, especially of the Amarnath pilgrimage, which takes place every year under the protection of about 40,000 troops. For the first time this year, the arrangements include drones and satellite tracking.

Munir Khan, a senior police officer in Kashmir, said it appeared to be a revenge attack after a major Lashkar unit was busted in the Valley a day before. The police said they received startling information about recent terror attacks in Anantnag after the arrest of Sandeep Kumar Sharma, a resident of Uttar Pradesh who was himself involved in three major attacks on the army and the police in the last month.

A letter from Mr Khan to other security officials on June 25 had warned of an intelligence input that said “terrorists have been directed to eliminate 100 to 150 pilgrims and about 200 police officers and officials.” The letter said the attack could target a Yatra convoy “which they believe will result in flaring of communal tensions throughout the nation.” The police officer said in the letter that further corroboration was needed but an attack could not be ruled out.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he was “pained beyond words”, tweeted last night: “India will never get bogged down by such cowardly attacks and the evil designs of hate.”

The attack is “an assault on our values and traditions”, said Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, adding: “The head of every Kashmiri hangs in shame.”

About 100,000 pilgrims have already completed the journey to the Amarnath shrine that began late last month and is due to end in late August. The journey begins from Jammu, which is 200 km from the shrine. </s> At least seven Amarnath Yatra pilgrims were killed and many others injured in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Monday, PTI reported. The terrorists also attacked a police party in Bantigoo area beside targeting a bus carrying the pilgrims.

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The attack took place hours after the Jammu and Kashmir Police claimed to have busted a Lashkar-e-Taiba module with the arrests of two persons, including Sandeep Kumar Sharma alias Adil, a resident of Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.

Reacting to the incident, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said: “the attack cannot be condemned strongly enough.” Omar wrote on Twitter, “Very sad news. The attack cannot be condemned strongly enough. My sympathies to the families & prayers for the injured.

He added the attack was feared in spite of recent success by security forces. “The one thing we had all feared this year during the yatra. In spite of recent successes against militants & unprecedented force presence,” he tweeted.

The one thing we had all feared this year during the yatra. In spite of recent successes against militants & unprecedented force presence. https://t.co/NUkScKdGfl — Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) July 10, 2017

Very sad news. The attack cannot be condemned strongly enough. My sympathies to the families & prayers for the injured. — Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) July 10, 2017 Advertising

Earlier, the Amarnath yatra was suspended from Jammu due to law and order situation in the Kashmir Valley under curfew for the death anniversary of militant commander Burhan Wani. Authorities clamped curfew in three towns, including Tral in Kashmir, and imposed restrictions on the movement of people in the rest of the valley.

Read | Amarnath Yatra terror attack: Here’s how political leaders are reacting

Special prayers were held on Sunday near the Pahalgam base camp of the annual Amarnath yatra, marking the commencement of the pilgrimage.

LIVE UPDATES

12:31 am: List of passengers who were travelling in the bus which was attacked. Express photo

12:30 am: NDA Presidential nominee Ramnath Kovind has also condemned the attack. He called it a ‘cowardly act’, as reported by ANI.

12:25 am: Mehbooba Mufti met the injured in Anantnag hospital. While addressing the media, she said: “the bus carrying yatris broke down & they got away from the cordon. Five women among those killed.”

#WATCH: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti visits the injured #AmarnathYatra pilgrims in Anantnag hospital. pic.twitter.com/jcGyst45ap — ANI (@ANI_news) July 10, 2017

12:15 am: Gujarat PM Vijay Rupani has condemned the attack and said, ” Condemn cowardly attack, India will never get bogged down by such acts. Six people from Gujarat’s Valsad have lost their lives in Anantnag terror attack. Our government is in contact with J&K government and military to ensure proper treatment and medical attention for the injured.”

11:48 pm: Statement by police: Today evening terrorists initially attacked a police BP bunker at Botengoo. The fire was retaliated. There was no report of injuries. Thereafter, the terrorists fired on a police naka near Khanabal. The fire was retaliated. A tourist bus was hit bu bullets in which about 18 tourists were injured. Among them, six persons died while rest are being treated. The bus was on way to Jammu from Baltal and was not part of the convoy.

#WATCH: Scenes from the hospital in J&K’s Anantnag where injured #AmarnathYatra pilgrims have been admitted post terror attack pic.twitter.com/Kdn54adES5 — ANI (@ANI_news) July 10, 2017

11:45 pm: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti has reached Anantnag hospital where the injured have been admitted.

11:28 pm:

Visuals from the hospital where injured #AmarnathYatra pilgrims have been admitted in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag post terror attack. pic.twitter.com/lqjL6fetfd — ANI (@ANI_news) July 10, 2017

11:24 pm: Congress VP Rahul Gandhi has said, “India will never be intimidated by these terrorist cowards. This is a grave and unacceptable security lapse. The PM needs to accept responsibility and never allow it to happen again.”

11:20 pm: BJP President Amit Shah has also reacted to the attack. “I have no words to express my deep pain on the killing of innocent pilgrims traveling to the holy shrine of Amarnath. It is a henious act. I pray for the families of those who have lost their lives and wish speedy recovery to the injured. Cowards responsible for this barbaric act will not be spared. I have spoken to the BJP District President and MLC from Anantnag and asked our karyakartas in Kashmir to help the pilgrims in need,” he said.

11:07 pm: Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said that this incident should add to our determination to eliminate terrorism.

11:05 pm: Sonia Gandhi expresses sorrow, asks for investigation into lapses in security.

Sonia Gandhi expresses sorrow over the #Anantnag attack targeting #AmarnathYatra pilgrims, asks for investigation into lapses in security. pic.twitter.com/SvsZJ8qx0M — ANI (@ANI_news) July 10, 2017

10: 55 pm: Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party gives a ‘bandh’ call in Jammu for tomorrow

10: 36 pm Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the attack on yatris. Here are his tweets

I have spoken to the Governor and Chief Minister of J&K and assured all possible assistance required. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2017

India will never get bogged down by such cowardly attacks & the evil designs of hate. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2017

My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the attack in J&K. My prayers with the injured. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2017

Pained beyond words on the dastardly attack on peaceful Amarnath Yatris in J&K. The attack deserves strongest condemnation from everyone. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2017

10:34 pm Home Minister seeks details of the attack from CM and Governor; also directs officials to ensure foolproof security in future. According to PTI, Rajnath Singh has spoken to J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Governor N N Vohra over terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims

10:25 PM Union minister Jeetendra Singh has described the attack on Amarnath yatris as an attack on the resilience of India.

10:18 PM This is the latest picture from the site

10:06 PM Internet services in Kashmir have been blocked, in view of tense situation in the valley.

10:05 PM Police claim the bus driver had violated rules for the pilgrimage, which state that no yatra vehicle should be on a highway after 7 pm.

9:56 PM According to a CRPF statement, the bus was not part of the official yatra and not registered with the Amarnath Shrine Board. The bus was carrying pilgrims back from Baltal after performing the yatra.

9:54 PM Security has been enhanced at Jammu-Srinagar National highway in Udhampur following terror attack on Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims in Anantnag, ANI reported.

9:52 PM The attack on Amarnath yatris is a dark patch on the history of Kashmir, says state minister Naeem Akhtar.

9:49 PM Death toll rises to seven, says police

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9:45 PM Here are the visuals from the site of attack </s> Srinagar: Tourists and Amarnath Yatra pilgrims started leaving the Kashmir Valley on Saturday following the state government's advisory asking them to cut short their stay even as Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said there is no need to panic. The advisory to leave had cited security concerns and intelligence inputs about the possibility of terror attacks.

Amid rumours of plans to repeal Article 370 and 35A, which allow the state special status and privileges, Malik said that the administration has no knowledge of any changes to constitutional provisions.

Despite the Governor's assurance, the Congress and the National Conference indicated that they would seek clarifications from the Centre when Parliament meets again on Monday. NC leader Omar Abdullah said the party needed the assurance as the Governor is not the final word on J&K.;

Malik told a delegation led by Abdullah that a pure security measure is being mixed up with issues with no connection. “That is the cause of the panic," said the Raj Bhavan in a statement.

"There were credible inputs which were available to the security agencies regarding terrorist attacks on the Amarnath Yatra. There has been intensified shelling on the LoC by Pakistan, which was responded to effectively by the Army," said Malik.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that no unilateral decision is taken at any level that impinges upon the current constitutional arrangement and complexion of the state.

Abdullah said he has asked party MPs to move a motion in Parliament on Monday seeking a statement from the Union government on the situation that has developed in the state over the past few weeks.

The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) also expressed concern.

“No one knows what is happening. There is uncertainty. We are seeing this type of situation for the first time and it has raised questions. We want the Centre as well as the state government to clarify what is going on," said JKPCC chief GA Mir.

Mir said the deployment of additional forces, orders by different departments, and the advisory asking tourists and pilgrims to leave have created panic.

"All this leads to speculation that something is happening behind the curtain,” he added.

Condemning the government's decision to curtail the Amarnath Yatra, the Congress also demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi make a statement in Parliament on the current situation and expressed apprehensions about a "misadventure" by the Union Home Ministry.

Senior party leader and former home minister P Chidambaram cautioned the Home Ministry against any misadventure in the state related to Articles 35A and 370.

Referring to the advisory, former chief minister of the state Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Amarnath yatra has never been curtailed in the history of the country, not even in 2000 when the biggest attack on pilgrims left over 30 people dead.

"This is unprecedented," he said.

Alleging that the BJP government at the Centre is "spoiling the image" of J&K; in front of the country, he said it is trying to show that outsiders in the state are not safe even though the local people there are completely standing with the tourists and Amarnath pilgrims.

He also accused the BJP of doing politics over the issue.

"Parliament is in session. The PM should give a statement in both houses of Parliament. It is his duty," said Azad.

Replying to a question on whether the Home Ministry could be working on scrapping Article 35A, Chidambaram said, "I don't wish to anticipate what misadventure this government is planning to do in Kashmir. Most of the constitutional issues involving Kashmir are pending in the Supreme Court. It's clear to me, they are planning a misadventure in Kashmir and I warn them not to do so."

Senior party leader Karan Singh said everybody is in a state of shock after the government's advisory curtailing the Amarnath Yatra. An atmosphere of fear and apprehension has gripped the state, he said.

Tourists affected

Tourism Kashmir Srinagar Director Nissar Wani said the state tourism department sent buses on Friday, immediately after the advisory was issued, to the tourist destinations to bring the visitors back to Srinagar. Wani said about 20,000 tourists were in Kashmir on Friday.

The United Kingdom and Germany issued advisories on Saturday warning their citizens from travelling to J&K.;

The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Saturday advised airlines to keep fares from Srinagar in check as Amarnath pilgrims and tourists prepared to leave the Valley.

According to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), 6,216 passengers reported at the Srinagar International Airport on Saturday to travel out of the valley. Out of this, 5,829 passengers travelled by 32 scheduled flights. The remaining 387 passengers were accommodated in four Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft and flown to various destination like Jammu, Pathankot and Hindon.

The Railways also announced that no cancellation charge will be taken from passengers till Tuesday morning if they cancel reserved tickets booked for their journey originating from Jammu, Katra and Uddhampur stations, sources in the ministry said.​

(With inputs from agencies)

Get the best of News18 delivered to your inbox - subscribe to News18 Daybreak. Follow News18.com on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and on YouTube, and stay in the know with what's happening in the world around you – in real time. </s> Srinagar/New Delhi: At least seven Amarnath Yatra pilgrims were killed in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday when militants attacked police guarding them during their trek to the shrine, police said, an attack likely to raise tensions in the Kashmir Valley.

J&K police inspector general Munir Ahmad Khan said the Amarnath Yatra attack was aimed at a police commando group in Anantnag, which lies on the way to the Amarnath shrine and was teeming with pilgrims. Six pilgrims and three policemen were wounded in the attack, he said.

The Amarnath pilgrims were travelling in a bus from Balram to Mir Bazar.

“In the firing by militants, seven people, five of them women, were killed, and another seven injured,” a J&K police official said. All the victims were from Gujarat, according to people aware of the matter.

The bus had come from Sonamarg. The police claimed the bus driver had violated rules for the pilgrimage, which state that no yatra vehicle should be on a highway after 7pm.

“Reportedly the bus was neither a part of convoy nor registered with shrine board. Troops of 90 Bn & 40 battalion of the CRPF were rushed to the spot,” said a senior CRPF official.

“Pained beyond words on the dastardly attack on peaceful Amarnath Yatris in J&K, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted. “My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the attack in J&K. My prayers with the injured,” he said in another tweet.

Modi said he has spoken to the J&K governor and chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and assured all possible assistance required. Home minister Rajnath Singh too called Mufti and Vohra over the terror attack.

The terror attack comes a day after the Amarnath Yatra was resumed from Jammu on Sunday after a day-long suspension due to apprehensions of a law-and-order situation in the Kashmir Valley. </s> Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption 'We are scared to stay here' - Tourists react to terror threat alert

Thousands of people, including tourists and Hindu pilgrims, are leaving Indian-administered Kashmir after local officials issued a security alert.

Indian authorities warned of a "terror threat" against Hindu pilgrims heading to the Amarnath shrine.

Militants backed by Pakistan were planning an attack on the annual pilgrimage, officials have said.

India accuses Pakistan of backing militant groups based in Kashmir, something denied by Pakistan.

The 45-day pilgrimage began on 1 July and about 300,000 pilgrims have visited the cave shrine, located high in the Himalayan mountains, according to AP news agency.

Kashmir's government has advised them to leave the area "immediately", causing panic as visitors scramble to organise transport.

Around 20,000 Hindu pilgrims and Indian tourists, as well as more than 200,000 labourers, were in the process of leaving the region, a local government official told Reuters news agency.

"In the interest of safety and security of the tourists and Amarnath Yatris [pilgrims], it is advised that they may curtail their stay in the [Kashmir] valley immediately," Kashmir's home secretary, Shaleen Kabra, said in a statement.

Image copyright EPA Image caption Tourists leave from Amarnath base camp after the pilgrimage was suspended

Security measures, including the deployment of 10,000 extra troops, were implemented by the Indian government ahead of the Hindu pilgrimage.

India has long accused Pakistan of funding armed militants in Kashmir, a disputed territory claimed by both countries.

Militants have targeted Hindu pilgrims in the region before, most recently in 2017, when seven people were killed in an attack.

On Saturday, Britain and Germany warned their citizens against travelling to Kashmir.

Both India and Pakistan claim all of Muslim-majority territory of Kashmir, but control only parts of it.

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Two wars, a 60-year dispute – a history of the Kashmir conflict

The countries have been at war four times since the partition following the end of British rule in 1947, and Kashmir, located mostly in the Himalayan mountains, has been a key factor in the conflicts.

Tensions resurfaced in February when Pakistan-based militants killed 40 Indian troops in a suicide attack in Pulwama, provoking military clashes between the countries. </s> Terrorists on Monday killed seven Amarnath pilgrims, including six women, and injured 19 others as they struck at a bus in Kashmir's Anantnag district, in the worst attack on the annual pilgrimage since the year 2001.

The bus bearing the registration number GJ09Z 9976 was attacked around 08.20 pm near Khanabal when it was on its way to from Srinagar Jammu, police said.

Five of those killed were from Gujarat and two from Maharashtra.

The deceased from Gujarat were identified as Hasuben Ratila Patal, Surakha Ben and Lakshimiben S Patal from Valsad, Ratan Zeena Bhai Patal of Daman and Prajapati Champaben of Navsari, a Jammu and police spokesperson said.

Those from Maharashtra were Nirmala Ben Thakor, a resident of Palghar, and Usha Mohanla Sonkar of Danu. Police said 19 pilgrims were injured in the attack and their condition is stable.

A security official said the victims had performed the yatra two days ago and had subsequently moved to Srinagar.

On Monday, they were going from Srinagar to Jammu when they became the target of the Police said the bus was not a part of the yatra convoy which is being provided elaborate security.

Thereafter the terrorists fired on a police picket near Khannabal, the police added.

When the police retaliated, the militants fled, firing indiscriminately in which the bus carrying the yatris got it.

The police and top government sources said the bus driver had violated rules for the pilgrimage, which state that no yatra vehicle should be on the highway after 7:00 pm as the security cover is withdrawn after that.

He said he spoke to Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and assured all possible assistance required.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh also spoke to Vohra and Mehbooba.

"Pained beyond words on the dastardly attack on peaceful Amarnath Yatris in The attack deserves strongest condemnation from everyone," Modi tweeted.

"My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the attack in My prayers with the injured," he added.

In yet another tweet, the prime minister said, "India will never get bogged down by such cowardly attacks & the evil designs of hate."

The Home Minister, in his telephonic call to Vohra and Mehbooba, sought details of the attack. He told them to ensure that the injured people are given adequate medical treatment.

He also directed officials to ensure foolproof security in future.

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley termed the attack as the "most reprehensible act" and said "This incident should add to our determination to eliminate terrorism."

The attack was condemned by other leaders as well.

The last time the was targeted was in 2001 when terrorists had struck in the Sheshnag area close to the holy cave of Amarnath, killing 13 people.

Prior to that, terrorists had attack on August 1, 2000 in Pahalgam area, killing 30 people, who also included porters.

Internet services were suspended in the Jammu region after the on Amarnath pilgrims, official said.

Internet and broadband services in the region have been suspended as a precautionary measure following the killing of in a in the Valley, the SSP control room said.

Terrorists tonight killed seven pilgrims from Gujarat, including six women, and injured 32 others as they struck at a bus in the district, in the worst attack on the annual pilgrimage since the year 2000.

Victims to be airlifted to Delhi

"The dead and the injured pilgrims will be shifted to Srinagar tonight. They will then be airlifted to New Delhi in a special BSF aircraft at 7:30 am tomorrow," he said.

Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Mandeep Bhandari said the will continue from Jammu on Tuesday.

"The yatra will not be disrupted and it will continue as per the plans tomorrow," he told PTI.

on pilgrims 'blot on Kashmiris', says Mehbooba Mufti

"The incident has left Kashmiris' heads hanging in shame. The attack is a blot on the name of Muslims and the people of Kashmir," said Mehbooba.

"I have no words to condemn this. I hope those involved will be arrested and punished soon," she added.

Attack on Amarnath yatris crime against humanity, says Sonia Gandhi

Congress president Sonia Gandhi today termed the attack on as "a crime against humanity" and called for decisive action against its perpetrators.

Gandhi said the government should order a thorough probe into any security lapses.

"The attack on the devotees of Lord Shiva is a crime against humanity. The entire nation is in shock," she said in a statement. The government should ensure the safety of the pilgrims, she said.

Attack on Amarnath yatris most reprehensible act, says Arun Jaitley

The defence minister also conveyed his condolences to the families of those killed in the attack in Anantnag.

" on #AmarnathYatra is the most reprehensible act. My condolences to the bereaved families," he tweeted.

"This incident should add to our determination to eliminate terrorism," the defence minister said in another tweet.

"Strongly condemn the attack on Amarnath yatris and the police. Terrorism unacceptable anywhere in the world," Banerjee said in a statement.

.

 I have spoken to the Governor and Chief Minister of and assured all possible assistance required.
Indian authorities issue evacuation orders for thousands of people, including tourists and Hindu pilgrims heading to the Amarnath Temple for yatra (which has been cancelled) to immediately leave Jammu and Kashmir because of security alerts about possible militant attacks. Also, the pilgrimage to Machel Mata for yatra, which also began on 1 July, has been suspended.