SURAT: Amarnath Yatra bus driver Sheikh Salim Mirza whose bus came under attack in Kashmir’s Anantnag managed to save lives of as many passengers as he could after the bus attacked by terrorists.
He acted bravely and moved to the safe spot to save the lives of almost 50 passengers.
“Allah helped me and gave me strength to keep moving, and I just did not stop. The firing went on and on, so I didn’t stop. I kept driving,” said Salim, who is being held up by many as an example of humanity beyond religion.
Lagatar firing huyi, main isliye ruka nahi, bus chalata raha: Salim,Driver of the bus #AmarnathYatra pic.twitter.com/ZstNhhmmQF
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2017
Javed Mirza, Saleem’s cousin narrating the tragic incident said that he received a call from him around 9:30 PM informing about the attack. Saleem did not stop there when terrorists fired, only looked for a safer spot without caring about his life he saved 50 pilgrims lives.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm_4OcVbIZg
Survivors from the attack recounted how Mirza had saved their lives by continuing to drive through the hail of bullets.
Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani said he would nominate Mirza for a bravery award. Of the seven dead, five were from Gujarat, and the bus was registration from the state.
“We want to thank the bus driver who saved many lives amid heavy firing. The Gujarat government will nominate Saleem for the bravery award with the central government,” Rupani told the media at the airport where he had come to receive the remains of the pilgrims.
Want to thank bus driver for saving lives of people even when there was firing going on. Will nominate his name for bravery award:Gujarat CM
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2017
At least seven people were killed and 21 others were injured in the attack where the terrorists opened fire at a bus ferrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Batingoo near Anantnag district last night.
With agencies input