Tag: Jammu and kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir: 10 Pilgrims Killed in Terrorist Attack on Bus in J&K Reasi Dirstrict

In a tragic incident on Sunday evening, a bus carrying pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine plunged into a deep gorge in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir after a suspected terrorist attack, resulting in the death of at least 10 people and injuries to nearly three dozen others.

The bus, carrying pilgrims on their way to the Shive Khori Temple, the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, came under attack in Teryath village in the Poni area at around 6:10 pm. Terrorists opened fire at the bus, injuring the driver who lost control of the vehicle, causing it to plunge into the gorge.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi, Mohita Sharma confirmed that 10 pilgrims were killed and 33 were injured in the attack. The bullet hit the driver of the bus after which he lost control and fell into the gorge.

Rescue Operation and Reactions 

A massive rescue operation was immediately launched, with security forces and medical teams dispatched to the site to assist the injured and recover the deceased. The reinforcements worked tirelessly to ensure all the injured received timely medical attention and to secure the area.

Prime Minister Narendra Modu called Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and took stock of the situation, directing him to constantly monitor the situation and ensure all possible assistance to the families. The Prime Minister also directed that all the injured be provided the best possible medical care and assistance.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah also condemned the attack, with Shah saying the culprits will not be spared and will face the wrath of the law. The local administration is working on a war footing to provide immediate medical attention.

Ongoing Investigation and Security Measures

The Reasi district administration has created a round-the-clock helpline for getting any information and assistance about the victims of the tragic bus accident. Security forces have launched a joint operation to hunt down the terrorists, with an Army helicopter brought in to conduct a search operation in Reasi.

According to sources, the terrorists are believed to be hiding in the upper reaches of Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi. Police teams rushed to the spot after getting information about the attack, and security forces launched an investigation of the site.

The Shiv Khori shrine was secured and area domination was done following the attack. SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma said the identities of the passengers have not been confirmed yet, as they are not locals.

Condemnation and Condolences

The Congress party expressed its condolences to the grief-stricken families, calling the attack “cowardly” and “shameful”. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad also condemned the militant attack, saying the bus driver lost control, resulting in a fall into the gorge, with 9 feared dead and many injured.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and hoped for the speedy recovery of the injured. He called the incident “cowardly” and said it brings out the true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Conclusion

The tragic incident in Reasi district has once again highlighted the ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack on pilgrims, who were on their way to a holy shrine, has been widely condemned by political leaders and the public alike.

The authorities have launched a massive operation to hunt down the terrorists responsible for the attack and provide assistance to the victims and their families. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for continued vigilance and efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.

As the investigation into the attack continues, it is crucial that the perpetrators are brought to justice and measures are taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The resilience and unity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir will be crucial in overcoming this tragedy and moving forward towards a more secure and peaceful future.

The recent deadly terror attack in Poonch, Jammu and kashmir,

The recent deadly terror attack in Poonch, Jammu, and Kashmir, has left a soldier critical and raised concerns over security in the region.

The attack, which occurred on an Indian Air Force convoy, resulted in the essential condition of the soldier and the stable condition of three others. Tragically, one IAF soldier lost his life during the attack. Security forces have launched a massive search operation to track down the terrorists responsible for this heinous act. Additional IAF and Army personnel have been deployed to the attack site, and a search and cordon operation is ongoing in various areas to locate the terrorists who fled into a forest after the attack.

The terrorists involved in the attack used steel core bullets, capable of penetrating an armored shield, and, managed to decamp with the soldiers’ weapons. The attack was well-coordinated, with a sniper targeting the truck from the front while other terrorists sprayed bullets and lobbed grenades at the vehicle. This ambush left five soldiers dead and one injured. Experts from various agencies, including the NSG and NIA, have visited the site to gather information about the attack. The area where the attack took place, although considered terrorism-free for a long time, remains a notorious infiltration route for terrorists due to its topography and dense forest cover.

The security forces are facing challenges in tracing and neutralizing the perpetrators, with over 12 individuals detained for questioning but no arrests made so far. Drones and sniffer dogs are being utilized in the search efforts, but the terrorists may have found safe hideous in the dense forest to evade capture. Initial reports suggest the involvement of around five terrorists, including foreign mercenaries, in the attack. The terrorists are believed to have used grenades and sticky bombs that caused the vehicle to catch fire. The attackers are suspected of having been in the region for over a year, familiar with the tough terrain and knowing the area, making it difficult for security forces to apprehend them.

The attack in Poonch is a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in the region, with various terrorist groups active in Rajouri and Poonch. The involvement of banned terror groups like the People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) and Lashkar-e-Taiba has been reported. The security forces are intensifying their efforts to locate the terrorists and prevent further attacks. The situation remains tense as the search operation continues, and the safety and security of the region are paramount concerns for the authorities.

In conclusion, the recent attack in Poonch has highlighted the ongoing security challenges faced by the armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir. The critical condition of a soldier, the loss of lives, and the brazen nature of the attack underscore the need for heightened vigilance and security measures in the region. The coordinated efforts of security forces, intelligence agencies, and local authorities are crucial in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of the residents in Jammu Kashmir.

The government is taking the following measures

Security Operations 

  • The Army has launched a massive search and cordon operation in various areas of the Poonch and Rajouri districts to track down the terrorists involved in the recent attack on the IAF convey. This includes operations in areas like Shahsitar, Gursai, Sanai, and Sheendara Top.
  • The Army has proposed to launch “Operation Sarvshakti” on both sides of the Pir Panjal range to eliminate terrorists in the Rajouri and Poonch districts, which have seen a surge in terror attacks.
  • Additional IAF Garuad Special Forces and Army personnel have been deployed to the attack site to bolster security.

Intelligence and Coordination

  • Security agencies have increased their focus on human intelligence gathering in addition to using technology, to track down terrorists and their overground workers.
  • There is improved coordination among the police, military, and local people in the area to control the situation.
  • The number of police stations is increasing and some reorientation is being carried out to help control the situation.

Policy Actions

  • The government has declared 2023 as a “zero-infiltration year”,  with no terrorists able to infiltrate through the Line of Control (LoC).
  • The Modi government is cracking down on terror financing, sealing and freezing assets of terrorists, and has also outlawed terrorist organizations.
  • The Jammu and Kashmir administration has taken prompt action in providing compensation and jobs to the families of civilians killed in the recent incident, reflecting its commitment to ensuring justice.

Overall, the government is employing a multi-pronged approach involving security operations, intelligence gathering, coordination among agencies, and policy actions to prevent terror attacks and eliminate the terrorist threat in the Poonch-Rajouri region.

 

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