Separatists, mainstream parties condemn attack on pilgrims in valley

Srinagar, June 22 (UNI) All shades of opinion in the valley, including militant organisations and leaders of mainstream parties have strongly condemned the attack on Amarnath pilgrims at Ganderbal yesterday.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, expressing shock over the ''inhuman'' act, conveyed his sympathies to the wounded and prayed for their early recovery.

He also directed officials to provide relief and free medical treatment to the injured.

Meanwhile, the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir sanctioned a relief of Rs 5000 each in favour of the wounded.

Militant outfit Hizbu Mujahideen has also condemned the grenade attack in which five pilgrims from Rajasthan were injured.

A spokesman of the HM said the act was ''inhuman''. These attacks are being carried out by the enemies of freedom movement who want to defame the mujahideen,''he claimed.

Both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference, Jammu and Kashmir Jamat-e-Islami and the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Party too have condemned the attack.

The National Conference (NC), Communist Party of India (M) and Peoples Democratic Party, a partner in the coalition government and several other organisations, also condemned the attack and termed it as against the teachings of all religions.

UNI BAS VD GC1504