Nine Hindu pilgrims were killed and 33 others injured after suspected militants attacked their bus in Jammu and Kashmir, a volatile region in India’s north. The bus, filled with devotees heading to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, was suddenly fired upon, leading to casualties and chaos.
Ongoing Search for Assailants
Immediately following the incident, Indian security forces, including the army and local police, initiated an extensive search operation to locate and apprehend the attackers. The effort underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region, which has seen decades of strife.
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred as the bus navigated its way to the shrine’s base camp. The assailants ambushed the vehicle, leading to tragic losses. Mohita Sharma, the district police chief, confirmed the nature of the attack to Reuters, though no group has yet claimed responsibility.
Impact on Victims
Among the victims were two children, a two-year-old and a 14-year-old, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence. Survivors recount horrific scenes, with one noting that the driver was shot and the firing continued even as the bus plummeted into a gorge.
Historical Context
The Himalayan region of Kashmir, where Jammu is located, remains a contested area between India and Pakistan, with regular incidents of violence affecting both civilians and military personnel. This latest attack adds to the long history of conflict that has plagued the area.
Also learn about Malawi Vice-President’s Aircraft Disappears.
