In New Delhi, soldiers in India-administered Kashmir launched a large-scale manhunt following the deadly attack on Hindu pilgrims that resulted in the deaths of nine individuals. The attack occurred just an hour before Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in for a third term. Gunmen fired on a bus filled with Hindu pilgrims who were celebrating after visiting a popular shrine. At least 10 people were shot, with one child among the dead, before the bus veered off the road into a ravine, leaving dozens injured.
Soldiers and police officers were deployed to the Reasi area in the southern part of Kashmir to carry out the joint operation aimed at neutralizing the attackers responsible for the deadly assault. Manoj Sinha, Kashmir’s top political official, announced compensation of US$12,000 for the families of each of the victims. Amit Shah, the interior minister in the previous government who also took the oath of office shortly after Modi, issued a warning that the perpetrators of the attack would face the full force of the law.
Kashmir has been a contentious territory divided between India and Pakistan since 1947, with both countries claiming ownership. Insurgent groups have been fighting for independence or union with Pakistan since 1989, leading to a prolonged conflict that has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians, soldiers, and rebels. Following the cancellation of the region’s limited autonomy by Modi’s government in 2019, instances of violence and anti-India protests have decreased.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the attack as “shameful” in a social media post, highlighting the worrisome security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Amit Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holding the perpetrators accountable for their actions, emphasizing that they would not escape justice. The attack on the Hindu pilgrims serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions and violence in the region, despite efforts to quell insurgency and unrest.
As the manhunt continues in Kashmir to track down and apprehend those responsible for the attack, tensions remain high in the disputed territory. The government’s response to the incident, including the deployment of security forces and promises of compensation for the victims’ families, underscores the seriousness of the situation. With various political and social dynamics at play in the region, the attack serves as a troubling reminder of the deep-rooted conflicts that persist in Kashmir and the challenges faced in achieving lasting peace and stability.
