Sunday evening witnessed an appalling act of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir which claimed the lives of ten devotees and caused injuries to multiple. The bus was transporting pilgrims to the Vaishno Devi shrine when it was attacked. The militant group Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) is being accused of being behind the attack that has once again left families mourning their loved ones who died
The event occurred near Khanabal Village in Anantnag District. According to reports, unidentified assailants started firing on the vehicle, triggering panic and the bus driver to lose control. The bus went off the road and fell into a deep valley.
Operations to save lives are still ongoing and these involve the Indian Army, the police, and local officials to search for and take away those who are still living. Those who were hurt were taken to hospitals that are close so that they can receive help.
While no group has publicly claimed responsibility, Indian officials believe LeT, through its front organization The Resistance Front (TRF), is behind the attack. This claim comes despite the TRF attempting to portray the attack as carried out by “homegrown terrorists.
Political and religious leaders widely condemned the attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi regretted the death of families saying they would be compensated. J&K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has also expressed his remorse apologising for the attack and promising to pay off the bereaved families.
After the attack, security has been increased, particularly with the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage starting on June 29th. The pilgrimage route is now being patrolled by more security forces.
The attack questioned the Rajouri-Poonch sector’s counter-insurgency operations efficacy, where it is presumed the offenders are taking refuge. The difficulties persist because of the difficult terrain and inefficient collaboration of security forces, despite the Modi government’s and Home Minister Amit Shah’s intensified efforts.
The government of India has given the people assurance that they will take revenge for the attack. But the main concern is now on protecting innocent people’s lives and reducing deaths among the armed forces and among the general population even with heavy security presence within Jammu and Kashmir.
The coming days will be crucial as investigations continue and authorities work to prevent further attacks.
