Prominent Leaders Unite to Condemn Terror Attack on Pilgrims in J&K

In a tragic incident that has drawn widespread condemnation, a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir was attacked by terrorists, resulting in the death of nine individuals and injuries to 33 others. The attack occurred shortly after the bus departed from the Shiv Khori temple for Katra at around 6.10 pm, subsequently plunging into a deep gorge.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, alongside four former chief ministers and other prominent leaders, has vocally condemned the attack. Lt Governor Sinha expressed his strong disapproval of the terror strike on social media platform X, extending his condolences to the families of the deceased civilians. He highlighted that security forces, along with the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), have initiated a joint operation to apprehend the terrorists responsible for this heinous act.

Former chief ministers of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, including Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar Abdullah of the National Conference (NC), Mehbooba Mufti of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), have also denounced the terrorist attack. Omar Abdullah lamented the resurgence of militancy in areas previously cleared of militants and called for peace for the deceased and a swift recovery for the injured through a post on X.

The National Conference issued a statement condemning such violent acts as significant barriers to achieving lasting peace in the region. Farooq and Omar Abdullah urged all communities to come together during these challenging times to support efforts towards achieving enduring harmony. They also conveyed their deep sympathies to the victims' families.

Mehbooba Mufti expressed her shock over the news from Reasi and extended her deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected. Ghulam Nabi Azad described the attack as an inhuman act that deserves the strongest condemnation.

Senior CPIM leader M Y Tarigami remarked that such senseless violence achieves nothing but anguish and devastation for the victims' families. He called on authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured and demanded that culprits be held accountable.

J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina attributed the attack to "cowardly Pakistani terrorists" who, he claimed, could not confront Indian security forces directly. He vowed that those behind this audacity would face severe consequences for their actions. Pradesh Congress committee president Vikar Rasool Wani also expressed his sympathies with the bereaved families and prayed for a speedy recovery of those injured.

This incident has not only reignited concerns over security in Jammu and Kashmir but has also unified leaders across political spectrums in their condemnation of terrorism and their calls for peace and justice.