In a tragic incident on Sunday evening, ten pilgrims were killed and over 30 injured when terrorists opened fire on a bus carrying Hindu devotees in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack occurred as the bus was returning from the Shivkhodi temple in Reasi district, resulting in the vehicle plunging into a gorge.
The bus, which was carrying pilgrims from various parts of India, was ambushed by terrorists who had been waiting for their target. According to reports, the terrorists, whose faces were concealed, fired continuously at the bus, causing the driver to lose control and the vehicle to fall into a ravine between two mountains.
Survivor Santosh, a 30-year-old who was injured in the attack, described the harrowing experience: “I was continuously hearing the shower of gunshots and saw terrorists attacking the bus. The driver was shot, and the bus went out of control.”
Local residents and authorities quickly initiated a rescue operation, with the involvement of police, army, and CRPF personnel. Army helicopters were also deployed to assist in the rescue efforts. The survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, and the government has issued helpline numbers for concerned families.
The attack is believed to be the work of Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives, including a Pakistani Army SSG commando turned terrorist named Ilyas Fauji. This incident comes amid increased efforts by terrorists to spread their activities to new areas, as evidenced by the recent attacks in previously unaffected regions like Reasi district.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from both the government and opposition parties. The Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and monitored the rescue operation closely.
The tragedy is reminiscent of past attacks on pilgrims, such as the 2017 assault on Amarnath pilgrims. In that attack, the bravery of bus driver Sheikh Salim Gafoor, who saved many lives by driving through the assault, was widely acknowledged. Sunday’s attack, targeting innocent pilgrims, underscores the need for increased vigilance and security measures to protect civilians from terrorist threats.
The loss of life and the trauma endured by the survivors highlight the severe impact of terrorist activities on innocent civilians. The government and security forces are urged to intensify their efforts to thwart such attacks and ensure the safety of pilgrims and tourists in the region.
Details of the Attack:
- Location and Timing: The incident occurred in the Reasi district, a region that had not previously been a common target for terrorist attacks. The bus, filled with pilgrims, was en route from the Shivkhodi temple back to Katra, another pilgrimage hub, when it was ambushed.
- Nature of the Attack: Eyewitness accounts and survivor testimonies reveal that the terrorists, who had concealed their identities, waited strategically for the bus. As the vehicle approached, they opened fire, aiming to cause maximum chaos and casualties. The incessant gunfire led to the driver being shot and losing control, causing the bus to plunge into a deep gorge between two mountains.
Rescue Operations and Immediate Response:
- Rescue Efforts: Local residents, police, and security forces responded swiftly. Army helicopters were deployed to assist with the rescue operations, extracting the injured and transporting them to nearby hospitals. The operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies to ensure timely medical aid and support for the survivors.
- Government Actions: The government set up helpline numbers to assist families of the victims and survivors, providing crucial information and support. The rescue and relief operations were closely monitored by state authorities, including the Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, who ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.
Victims and Casualties:
- Fatalities: Among the deceased were individuals of various ages who had embarked on the pilgrimage from different parts of the country. The tragic loss included 71-year-old Asha Sudhakar, a seasoned mountaineer and trekker.
- Injuries: Over thirty people were injured in the attack and subsequent bus crash, with survivors recounting their ordeal and the chaos that ensued.
Suspected Perpetrators:
- Terrorist Involvement: Preliminary investigations suggest that Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives, including a former Pakistani Army SSG commando named Ilyas Fauji, were behind the attack. The involvement of such operatives indicates a planned and premeditated assault aimed at maximizing casualties and spreading fear among the civilian population.
- Strategic Shift: The attack in Reasi district represents a strategic shift by terrorists to target new areas previously considered safe, expanding their operations beyond traditional hotspots like Poonch and Rajouri.
Historical Context and Similar Incidents:
- Previous Attacks: This incident brings back memories of the 2017 attack on Amarnath pilgrims, where terrorists ambushed a bus carrying pilgrims, resulting in fatalities and injuries. In that incident, the driver, Sheikh Salim Gafoor, was hailed as a hero for his bravery in navigating the bus to safety despite the ongoing assault.
- Pattern of Terrorism: The shift in terrorist tactics to target pilgrims and tourists highlights their intent to disrupt civilian life and incite fear. The data from the Home Ministry indicates an increase in such attacks, with this being one of the deadliest in recent times.
Political and Public Reactions:
- Condemnations: The attack has been universally condemned by political leaders across party lines. Both the government and opposition parties have expressed their outrage and sorrow over the loss of innocent lives, calling for stringent measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
- Security Measures: The government and security forces are urged to reassess and strengthen their strategies to protect civilians, especially during religious pilgrimages and public gatherings, to thwart terrorist plans and ensure public safety.
The tragic attack on the pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir underscores the persistent threat of terrorism in the region and the need for heightened security measures. The resilience and bravery of the survivors, the prompt response by the rescue teams, and the outpouring of support from the public and government are testament to the collective effort to combat terrorism and support those affected by such heinous acts.
