Amarnath bus attack: Driver Salim Shaikh to get bravery award

SURAT: Salim Shaikh, 37, will get

Jeevan Raksha Padak

for his bravery in saving lives of 52

Amarnath pilgrims

who were in the bus that was attacked by terrorists in July 2017 in Jammu and Kashmir. Shaikh was driver of the bus and he is among 44 persons from the country whose names were approved by President of India for the award. The names were announced by the home ministry ahead of the Republic Day on Wednesday.

"I am happy to be named for the award but the happiness would have been doubled if I could have saved lives of the eight persons who died in the attack,” said Shaikh while talking to TOI. He drove the bus with a flat tyre for over two kilometres on mountainous terrain during night hours on July 10, first Monday of holy month of Shravan. He continued driving the bus amidst continuous firing by the terrorist from different directions.

Shaikh will get

Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak

, second highest honour given to civilians for gallantry. Names for Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, the highest hounour, and Jeevan Raksha Padak were also announced. Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani had announced after Shaikh returned to Gujarat that his name will be nominated for bravery award.

In the attack total eight victims died while 52 lives were saved. The bus was attacked near Batengoo of Anantnag district and Shaikh drove the bus till it reached an Army check-post.

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