Jammu & Kashmir: 3 More Terrorist Attacks in 3 Days after Reasi
Since the startling Reasi terrorist bus attack, 3 more terrorist attacks have taken place in different regions of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) sending ripples of fear & shock throughout the UT & India.
On 9th June 2024, a tragic terrorist attack in Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir left 10 pilgrims dead and 33 severely injured after militants opened fire at a bus, causing it to plunge into a deep gorge. This horrifying incident has sent shockwaves throughout the state and country.
Just two days later, on the evening of 11th June 2024, two terrorists surfaced in Saida Sukhal village near Koota Morh market in Kathua city, close to the International Border (IB). The terrorists knocked on the doors of several villagers, asking for water. Suspecting foul play, the villagers refused and raised an alarm. In response, the terrorists fired random shots in the air and injured a passerby.
Hira Nagar Police Station’s Station House Officer and Sub-Divisional Police Officer quickly arrived at the scene and engaged in a gunfight with the terrorists. One terrorist was killed while attempting to throw a grenade, and the other fled into a nearby forest. Later, at around 3 am, the remaining terrorist attempted to breach the village’s security and opened fire on the security forces. He was shot dead, but not before injuring several officers. CRPF soldier Kabir Dass succumbed to his injuries, and six other security personnel were severely wounded.
During the operation, police found several Pakistan-made items with the terrorists, including food, medicines, and ammunition. This discovery points to possible cross-border involvement.
The night of 11th June 2024 saw another attack in Doda. A group of 3-4 terrorists opened fire at a joint check-post of the Rashtriya Rifles and police on the Bhaderwah-Pathankot road. The encounter lasted several hours, injuring five army personnel, a special police officer, and a civilian before the terrorists escaped. The Kashmir Tigers, linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, claimed responsibility.
On 12th June 2024, terrorists attacked the Army's Temporary Operating Base (TOB) in the Gandoh area of Doda district. Constable Fareed Ahmed was injured in the retaliatory firing and hospitalized. Following this attack, authorities suspended traffic on highways and deployed search parties to track the terrorists.
One search party encountered terrorists in the densely forested Kota Top area of Bhalesa village, resulting in a fierce gunfight. Seven officers were injured. In response, the Jammu & Kashmir Police released sketches of four suspects involved in these attacks and announced a reward of ?5 lakhs for information leading to their capture.
Security forces have been placed on high alert following intelligence reports of potential terrorist attacks in Poonch and Rajouri districts. The Director General of J&K Police, Anand Jain, attributed these attacks to a “hostile neighbour,” indirectly pointing at Pakistan.
In the wake of the Reasi bus attack, the bus owner Sujan Singh arranged a martyr-style cremation for the driver Vijay Kumar and conductor Arun Kumar. Their bodies were draped in the Indian flag before cremation. The J-K Administration has announced a compensation of ?10 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ?50,000 for each injured person.
These consecutive attacks have raised serious concerns about security in the region, prompting calls for increased vigilance and stronger measures to prevent further incidents.
