New Delhi: Terrorism does not have a religion. Neither does a hero. The Amarnath Yatra terror attack, which left seven dead and 19 injured, too saw an act of valour which has earned the Sheikh Salim Gafoor plaudits and gratitude from many quarters.

It is said,4 pilgrims from Karnataka are safe and they are 35 km far from terror attacked place.

Talking to reporters, the driver Sheikh Salim Gafoor said, “The firing started around 8 pm. There was continuous firing but I kept on driving. I didn’t get injured but people around me done. God gave me the strength to keep moving and I did not stop.” Gafoor drove the bus for a kilometre even after it came under attack.

A CRPF officer told , “The assailants tried to kill the bus driver but they missed him several times. The driver showed a presence of mind to keep driving till he reached Khanabal and saved many lives,” said the officer.

Gafoor arrived in Surat along with a 57 other victims from Monday’s attack, including 7 deceased, 19 injured, and 32 other pilgrims. They were airlifted from Srinagar Technical Airport in a C130 Hercules at 10am, they reached around 1 pm.

Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, who was at the airport to receive them, said, “I want to thank the bus driver for saving the lives of people even when the firing was on. Will nominate his name for bravery award.” The CM also announced Rs 10 lakh for the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for those injured in the attacks.