Amarnath terror attack: Meet bus driver Salim who managed to move 50 passengers to safety

Amid continuous firing by a group of heavily armed terrorists on Amarnath pilgrims, a bus driver from Gujarat risked his life to save passengers showing exemplary courage.

Terrorists on Monday night killed seven 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. 

Risking his life, Salim drove the bus to safety while returning from Amarnath Shrine despite being reportedly hit by a bullet.

Reports said that Salim locked the door from inside, refraining terrorists from entering into the bus, and drove for nearly two kilometers before stopping near an army camp.

"God gave me strength to keep moving, and I just did not stop," said Salim.

"He couldn't save seven lives, but managed to move 50 people to a safe place. We are proud of him," said Salim's cousin Javed Mirza

"He called me at around 9.30 pm and said that there was firing. Salim did not stop when terrorists fired but only looked for a safer spot for the pilgrims," added Javed.

The bus which came under attack was from Gujarat (GJ 09 Z 997) and was registered in North Gujarat's Sabarkantha district.

Meanwhile, the bodies of seven pilgrims have been brought to Gujarat in an IAF plane.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani condemned the attack and said the country will never bow down to such an ideology.

The Gujarat government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of each of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh each to the injured.