Suspected Militant Attack on Hindu Pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir Leaves 10 Dead

At least 10 individuals have tragically lost their lives, with 33 others sustaining injuries, following a suspected militant attack on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in the Indian federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred in Reasi district, when the bus veered off a ravine after being fired upon by suspected militants.

According to reports, the bus was en route to the revered Hindu shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi when the attack took place. The driver’s loss of control led to the bus plunging into the gorge, resulting in the casualties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly taken cognizance of the situation and emphasized the provision of top-notch medical care for the injured.

With no claim of responsibility as yet, Manoj Sinha, the region’s top administrator, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that those responsible for this heinous act will face punishment without delay. The district police chief, Mohita Sharma, revealed that suspected militants had laid an ambush on the bus, contributing to the tragic incident.

The region of Jammu and Kashmir has been a point of contention between India and Pakistan for over six decades, with recurring conflicts and tensions. Since 1989, there has been an armed insurgency against Indian rule in the region, resulting in numerous casualties over the years. Delhi consistently accuses Islamabad of supporting militants and disrupting peace, a claim that Pakistan vehemently denies.

The passengers aboard the bus are believed to hail from Uttar Pradesh, a northern state in India, though their identities are yet to be officially confirmed. Images from the scene depict injured individuals, including a woman, being transported to a hospital in Jammu for urgent medical attention.

Former home minister Amit Shah expressed grief over the attack, asserting that the perpetrators will face legal consequences for their actions. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi highlighted the security concerns in the region, branding the incident as a stark reflection of the precarious situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a similar tragic event in 2017, a group of pilgrims was attacked after their bus got caught in a gun battle between police and militants while returning from the renowned Amarnath pilgrimage site in Anantnag district.