All eyes on Reasi is trending on social media. Let’s understand why?
Overview
On a Sunday evening, a tragic incident occurred in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir. A bus carrying pilgrims was attacked by terrorists. The bus was returning from the Shiv Khori cave shrine to Katra, known for the Vaishno Devi temple. The attack caused the bus to fall into a gorge, killing at least ten people and injuring over 30 others. This incident shows that terrorism is still a serious problem in the region.
The attack happened around 6 PM on a road through forests and mountains. Two masked terrorists, dressed like soldiers, shot at the bus, hitting the driver. This caused the bus to lose control and fall down a hillside.
A survivor, Santosh, described hearing gunshots as the bus crashed. Bullet shells were found at the scene.
After the attack, local people and authorities helped rescue the injured passengers. Police, Army, and CRPF started a search to find the attackers. The area was secured to prevent more incidents.
Suspected Perpetrators
Sources believe that former Pakistani army commando turned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative, Illiyas Fauji, and two other terrorists from Pakistan are responsible for the attack. These terrorists have been hiding since they attacked an Indian Air Force convoy in Poonch district on May 4.
This attack shows that terrorist violence is spreading to new areas, like Reasi, which had been safe from recent attacks in nearby Rajouri and Poonch districts. This spread of violence is very concerning.
The recent attack on pilgrims is one of the largest attacks on visitors this year. It shows that terrorists are now targeting outsiders in the Jammu region, which is a worrying change in their activities.
This attack shows that terrorism is still a big problem in Jammu and Kashmir. The Union home ministry reports that eight civilians were killed in the region in the first five months of this year. The attack on pilgrims highlights how vulnerable civilians and tourists are in this area.
A Grim Reminder
The ambush reminds us of a similar attack on July 10, 2017. A bus carrying Amarnath pilgrims from Gujarat was attacked by terrorists. Despite heavy gunfire, the bus driver, Sheikh Saleem Gafoor, saved 52 passengers. Unfortunately, seven pilgrims were killed and 19 were injured.
Conclusion
The tragic ambush on the pilgrim bus in Reasi is a strong reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. This incident shows the need for better security to protect civilians and tourists. The bravery of the survivors and the quick actions of local residents and authorities are admirable. However, there is an urgent need for a long-term solution to stop terrorism in the region.