An assault on a bus ferrying Hindu pilgrims in the Jammu province of Kashmir, India on Sunday, June 9, 2024 is currently under investigation by Indian authorities. The bus, targeted by presumed militants, plunged into a deep ravine after being fired upon, leading to the death of at least nine individuals and injuries to 33 others. The incident happened in the Reasi district as the bus was headed to the revered Hindu shrine, Mata Vaishno Devi temple.
A law enforcement official, who requested anonymity, verified that some victims were shot, linking the assault to Muslim extremists contesting Indian governance in Kashmir. No group has yet taken responsibility for the incident which signifies the continuing strife in the area. Since 1989, rebel factions have been battling for either the independence of Kashmir or its unification with Pakistan. The dispute has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives, encompassing civilians, militants, and state authorities.
Following the attack, locals and law enforcement teamed up to rescue the wounded and transport them to the Government Medical College hospital in Jammu for medical attention. Videos shared online depicted bodies strewn on the jagged terrain alongside the motorway, emphasizing the severity of the assault.
Lt. Gov. Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir announced a compensation package of $11,975 for the families of the deceased and $600 for the injured. Federal minister Amit Shah vowed severe repercussions for the attackers. “The culprits of this dastardly attack will not be spared and will face the wrath of the law,” Shah announced on social media platform X.
Both India and Pakistan, two nations armed with nuclear weapons, govern portions of Kashmir but each lays claim to the entire region. India alleges that Pakistan promotes terrorism in Kashmir, an accusation Pakistan refutes, framing the conflict as a valid fight for freedom supported by the majority of Muslim Kashmiris.
A team from the National Investigation Agency along with other security forces has been dispatched to the scene to identify the culprits. The Indian government has bolstered security measures in the area to thwart future assaults and safeguard pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sworn in for his third consecutive term just before the attack, expressed his sympathy and directed that the injured receive the best possible medical care. “I am anguished by the loss of lives in this tragic incident. My thoughts are with the bereaved families,” Modi stated.
Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition Indian National Congress, characterized the assault as “saddening” and “shameful,” emphasizing the “worrying security situation” in Jammu and Kashmir. He called for enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of civilians and pilgrims in the region.
The dispute over Kashmir continues to be one of the most protracted and deadly conflicts worldwide. India and Pakistan have engaged in several wars over the territory, punctuated by sporadic outbreaks of violence. The global community remains steadfast in its call for both nations to seek a peaceful resolution, but the tension persists, aggravated by events such as this fatal bus attack.