Reasi Terror Attack: Fresh Security Challenge as Terrorists Target 'No-Go Zone'

At least ten people were killed after a bus carrying pilgrims was attacked by terrorists and fell into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. What used to be a ‘no-go zone’ for terrorists witnessed one of the biggest attacks since the abrogation of Article 370. The group targeted the bus carrying pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Sunday.

According to various Intelligence agency officials serving in J&K, including Military Intelligence and the Intelligence Bureau, the area had been a no-go zone for terrorists in the past and the leadership never instructed terror outfits to attack in this area.

Reasi is close to the Vaishno Devi Temple, merely 35 kilometre away from the highly visited Hindu temple. Officials claim that preparations for the Amarnath Yatra make the route crucial for pilgrims.

Notably, this area had not experienced any recent terror incidents. The police had been occupied with apprehending local-level smugglers, which had been their focus area.

“It is a matter of concern that ISI and top masters of terror outfits have now given a go-ahead to operate in this area, especially targeting Hindu pilgrims, which was previously a no-go zone for terrorists. This attack will have ramifications at all levels,” said a senior Intelligence official deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, speaking on the condition of anonymity to News18.

Another official from a different central agency stated that the attack has exposed the vulnerability of the Vaishno Devi temple and its route.

“The location where the terrorists targeted the bus is almost 35 kilometre away from the Vaishno Devi temple. The attack has revealed the intentions of terror outfits, especially as the tourist season is underway. With the imminent start of the Amarnath Yatra, which is already under threat from terrorists, we have instructed forces to be on high alert in all parts of Kashmir, Rajouri, and Poonch regions,” the official added.

On Sunday, as the Narendra Modi 3.0 cabinet was taking oath in Delhi, when the bus carrying pilgrims was targeted by terrorists and plunged into a deep gorge. The terrorists opened fire at the bus en route from the Shiv Khori temple to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine at Katra, near Teryath village in the Poni area, causing it to plunge into the deep gorge following the gunfire.