Terror attack on bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi sparks widespread condemnation

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: The terror attack on the bus carrying pilgrims to Shiv Khori in Reasi district has sparked widespread condemnation from various political, religious, and community leaders.

The Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association (JKHCBA) Jammu strongly condemned the heinous act of terrorism targeting Hindu pilgrims returning from Shiv Khori Shrine.

Senior Advocate Vikram Sharma, President JKHC BA Jammu, vehemently urged the UT and the Central administration to wake up to this alarming situation and destroy the network of enemies outside and
within.

“The armed forces must be given absolute freedom to deal with the terrorists,” he said.
He exhorted the army/police to deal a death blow to all those involved in this barbaric act as also to those who have perpetrated the attack.

“This is an attack on Hindu pilgrims aimed at shaking the secular fabric of this great country in which
design the terrorists and their masters would never succeed,” he said.

“The JKHCBA Jammu is with the families of those who have lost their kith and kin in this attack and prays for peace to the departed souls and courage to the bereaved families,” he said.

Gaurav Gupta, former General Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jammu, has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi district.

In a statement issued today, Gaurav Gupta expressed profound shock and sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in this senseless act of violence.

“The targeting of pilgrims, who were on a sacred journey, is a despicable and cowardly act. My heart goes out to the families of the victims, and I extend my deepest condolences to them during this difficult time,” he stated.

Expressing grave concern, Gaurav highlighted that terrorists and anti-national elements are relentlessly
attempting to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the Jammu and Kashmir. He demanded that the government should brace-up the security grid and mobilize the intelligence network to ensure that such horrendous attacks should be stopped in the coming time.

He urged the government to come up with a foolproof security strategy to ensure the safety of all in the Union Territory in view of upcoming Amarnath Yatra. He also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured personnel.

Apni Party President, Syed Mohammed Altaf Bukhari, while condemning the attack, described it as an
attempt to disrupt communal harmony. He emphasized the broader implications beyond the immediate loss of life and injury. His called for specialized treatment for the injured pilgrims and ex-gratia for the families of the deceased. Additionally, He asked government to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims across Jammu and Kashmir highlights the need for proactive measures to prevent future incidents.

Former Minister J&K and Senior Congress leader, Yogesh Sawhney expressed sincere condolences to the
victims’ families. Urging authorities to take swift action, he emphasized the urgency of addressing security concerns and ensuring justice for the victims.

JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla and senior Congress leader Ch Lal Singh condemned the attack.
They expressed shock and solidarity with the victims’ families. They emphasized the need for a thorough
investigation into security lapses and accountability for the perpetrators. They advocated for justice and deterrence against future attacks.

They called for bolstering the counter-terrorism grid high lighting the imperative of proactive measures to safe guard civilians.

Rattan Provincial Lal Gupta, President of JKNC Jammu strongly condemned the attack and emphasized the urgent need for enhanced vigilance and protective measures. Gupta called for serious attention
from the Central Government to address escalating terrorism activities.

K K Khosa, President Kashmiri Pandit Sabha Jammu condemned the attack and emphasized the need for a serious onslaught on the perpetrators of terror ism. He highlighted the vulnerability of pilgrims and Newly elected office bearers of Asha Kiran Welfare Society.

Kashmiri Displaced People Wing of Democratic Progressive Azad Party leaders condemned the attack
and urged the government to ensure foolproof security measures for the safety of pilgrims and tourists.

They also called for cooperation from civil society and strict vigilance from security and intelligence agencies.

Urging government action to provide ex-gratia to the families of the deceased and specialized medical care to the injured, they advocate for comprehensive support for the victims and their families.

President, Shri Ram Sena, J&K UT, Rajiv Mahajan condemned the terrorist attack on pilgrims and high lighted its stance against terrorism and violence. He denounced the attack targeting innocent civilians and disrupting peaceful spiritual activities. He reaffirmed the importance of upholding communal harmony and societal values. He called for enhanced security measures against future threats and a commitment to safeguarding public safety.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Jammu Kashmir unit president Munish Sahni strongly condemned the attack and warned against attempts to disrupt the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. He questioned the failures of intelligence agencies and asked terrorists to refrain from such cowardly acts.

“Terrible news from Reasi in J&K … I unequivocally condemn this attack. It is unfortunate to see areas that had previously been cleared of all militants see a return of militancy. May the deceased rest in peace & may the injured make a swift recovery,” Former chief minister Omar posted on X.

In a statement issued by the NC, the party said such violent acts pose a significant barrier to attaining enduring peace in the region.

“They (Farooq and Omar) called on all communities to unite during these challenging times and back initiatives aimed at achieving lasting harmony. They also extended their heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, expressing their deep sympathy during this tragic period,” the statement said.
PDP president Mehbooba said, “Shocking news coming from Reasi … My deepest condolences to the families & their loved ones.”

DPAP chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad also condemned the attack and said this “inhuman act deserves the
strongest condemnation…”

J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina said the attack was carried out by “cowardly Pakistani terrorists” who cannot face the Indian Army, police and paramilitary forces.

“The terrorists who have carried out this audacity will have to pay a heavy price for their crime,” he said.

Pradesh Congress committee president Vikar Rasool Wani also expressed sympathies with the families of those killed in the attack and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.