Manashimaya
In a tragic incident on June 9, 2024, the Reasi terror attack resulted in the deaths of at least 10 pilgrims, including a child, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. This horrific attack has shaken the nation and prompted swift actions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders.
The Attack
The Reasi terror attack occurred when terrorists ambushed a 53-seater bus travelling from the Shiv Khori cave shrine to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. The attack happened around 6:15 pm, causing the bus to veer off the road and plunge into a deep gorge. Reasi SSP Mohita Sharma reported that nine people were killed and 33 others injured due to the attack and subsequent accident. This tragic event is reminiscent of a similar attack in 2017, where a bus carrying Amarnath pilgrims was attacked, resulting in the deaths of seven pilgrims.
Condemnation and Condolences
The Reasi terror attack has drawn widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum. President Droupadi Murmu labelled the act a “crime against humanity” and called for it to be condemned in the strongest terms. She expressed deep sorrow for the victims and their families, urging national solidarity and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi acted swiftly following the Reasi terror attack, instructing Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to monitor the situation closely and ensure all possible aid to the affected families. Modi’s prompt response underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis and supporting the victims’ families.
Government and Security Response
Union Minister for Government and Security Response, Amit Shah, also denounced the terror assault in Reasi and emphasized that those responsible will suffer dire repercussions. To assess the situation and plan the response, Shah spoke with DGP RR Swain and LG Sinha. The J&K police, the Indian Army, and the CRPF are among the security agencies that have joined forces to track down the terrorists who carried out this horrific deed.
A rescue operation was launched right away, according to Reasi SSP Sharma, and wounded pilgrims were taken to adjacent hospitals. Although the identities of the wounded and dead have not yet been established, preliminary information indicates they are from Uttar Pradesh.
Political Responses
Investigative calls and political reactions have also been triggered by the terror attack in Reasi. Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal, expressed her sorrow over the fatalities and sent her condolences to the families of the dead while calling for a thorough probe into the tragedy.
Kangana Ranaut, a first-time BJP MP, expressed her condemnation of the attack, offered prayers for the departed, and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The Opposition, meanwhile, took advantage of the occasion to attack the government. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge denounced the attack as a purposeful insult to national security, and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi tweeted about the concerning security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Community and Security Measures
In response to the Reasi terror attack, several protests erupted in the Jammu division, including Reasi, with demonstrators demanding strict action against the terrorists. The Shiv Khori temple area has been placed under high alert, with frequent area domination patrols and firing practices for Village Defence Guards.
Survivors of the Reasi terror attack recounted their harrowing experiences, with one recalling how the bus was hit by 25 to 30 shots before plunging into the gorge. Another witness saw a masked assailant in a red muffler firing on the bus, highlighting the terrifying nature of the attack.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other officials moved quickly in response to the terror assault in Reasi, which claimed the lives of ten pilgrims. The incident had a profound impact on the country. The sad incident serves as a reminder of the region’s persistent security threats and the necessity of constant watchfulness. The country is in sympathy with the victims and their families, praying for peace and healing in the wake of this horrific act, while security forces step up their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.