A sadhu proceeds towards the holy cave shrine as security personnel guard near Nunwan base camp July 11, a day after the militants attacked Amarnath pilgrims onboard a bus. (S. Irfan/PTI)

The Trump administration strongly condemned, July 12, the “cowardly” terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims in Kashmir and vowed that the U.S. and India will together continue to fight terror threats in “every part of the world,” writes Lalit K. Jha.

Seven Amarnath pilgrims were killed and 19 others injured in the terrorist attack in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on the night of July 10.

“The United States and India will continue to fight together against terrorist threats in every part of the world,” White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said in a statement issued two days after the attack.

Amarnath yatris during a brief stay before heading towards the holy cave shrine, at Nuwun base Camp in South Kashmir, July 11. Militants attacked a yatri bus in Botengo in Anantnag, July 10, killing seven pilgrims and injuring 19 others. (S. Irfan/PTI)

The United States “strongly condemns the cowardly terrorist attack” on religious pilgrims in the state of Jammu and Kashmir on July 10, he said.

“We extend condolences to the victims’ families and the people of India. An attack on religious freedom is an attack on the most fundamental right of liberty,” Spicer said.

Earlier, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert had expressed concern over the terror attack.

“We consider it to have been a terrorist attack in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in which seven religious pilgrims were killed. That’s of great concern to us,” she told reporters at a news conference.

Salim, driver of the bus that was attacked by the militants in J&K, on his arrival at the airport in Surat, Gujarat, July 11. (Press Trust of India)

“These were civilians, they were killed as they were exercising their right to worship and that is, in large part, what makes this so reprehensible. That is a great concern to us and our thoughts and prayers go out to those people and to their families as well. Our prayers are with the victims and those who were affected,” she said.

Several U.S. lawmakers also condemned the dastardly act.

Congressman Will Hurd condemned the attack, saying, “My thoughts and prayers to all of the Amarnath Yatra terror attack victims and their families. The attack is reprehensible and must be condemned.”

“The terrorist attack on Amarnath Pilgrims is outrageous,” said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

“Religion is a fundamental right and human right #AmarnathYatra #ReligiousFreedom,” she tweeted.

Members of the All India Anti Terrorist Front (AIATF) burning a Pakistani flag during a protest against the terrorist attack on Amarnath pilgrims, in Amritsar, Punjab, July 12. (Press Trust of India)

Congressman John Ratcliffe, in a tweet, offered his prayers for the families of those killed in the “horrific terrorist” attack.

Congressman Jim Costa said he is “deeply saddened at the cowardly attack” on innocent Amarnath yatra pilgrims.

“My thoughts and prayers are with you,” he said.

“The terrorist attack on Amarnath Yatra is reprehensible and must be condemned,” tweeted Congressman Ted Poe.

“Our hearts go out to the victims of the terrorist attack on #AmarnathYatra. We must stand united against these deplorable acts of terror,” said Congressman John Culberson.

Members of Sampurna Samjik Sanstha shout slogan as they protest against the attacks on Amarnath pilgrims, in New Delhi, July 13. (Shahbaz Khan/PTI)

Hindus and pilgrims of every religion should be able to visit their holy places without fear of attacks by terrorists, said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.

“My prayers are with the victims and their families of this senseless, vicious attack on the #AmarnathYatra pilgrims,” tweeted Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo.

In a statement, Overseas Friends of BJP USA condemned the dastardly attack on Amarnath pilgrims.

A sadhu chants slogans while he waits to get himself registered for the Amarnath Yatra at the Ram Mandir base camp in Jammu, July 15. (Press Trust of India)

“Indian American community is very sad and shocked to hear this barbaric attack on innocent pilgrims traveling to Amarnath shrine and pray for all victims and their families,” said Krishna Reddy Anugula, president of the OFBJP-USA.