On June 9th, terrorists attacked a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the tragic deaths of nine pilgrims and leaving several others injured. The attack has sparked a comprehensive investigation, which revealed the involvement of a local resident, Hakam Din, who allegedly provided logistical support to the terrorists from Pakistan for a payment of Rs 5,000.
Hakam Din, a 45-year-old resident of Rajouri district, was arrested on June 20th. Formerly a porter at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Hakam had shifted to cattle trading three years ago. Senior Superintendent of Police Mohita Sharma identified him as a “prime militant associate” before the investigation was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from the Jammu and Kashmir police.
During interrogation, Hakam Din provided critical information that led to the preparation of sketches of two additional terrorists. He disclosed that he first encountered the terrorists on June 1st when they visited his home, requesting food and shelter. Among the terrorists, one was referred to as ‘Manzoor bhai’. The terrorists instructed Hakam to bring food to their hideout in a nearby forest.
On June 7th, the terrorists revisited Hakam’s home and asked him to accompany them on a reconnaissance mission to Pouni, the site of the attack. They spent around three and a half hours scouting strategic locations and identifying a suitable spot where the bus would slow down. They left after marking these locations and gathering information about the movement of tourist buses.
The terrorists returned on June 8th to discuss final plans over tea at Hakam’s home. On June 9th, they executed their attack, targeting a specific bus and opening fire on the driver. The bus, out of control, veered off the road and plunged into a gorge, resulting in the deaths and injuries of many passengers. Post-attack, the terrorists paid Hakam Rs 5,000 and requested his assistance to escape, taking his Aadhaar card with them.
The investigation, now under the NIA’s jurisdiction, revealed that the attack was orchestrated by the Pakistan-based banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Hakam Din’s interrogation confirmed LeT’s involvement, and the NIA has shared the new sketches of the attackers with central investigation agencies. It is suspected that the terrorists infiltrated from across the Line of Control and are currently hiding in dense forests.
In the aftermath of the Reasi attack, two other terrorist incidents occurred in the valley, specifically in Kathua and Doda. By June 13th, approximately 50 individuals were detained in connection with the Reasi attack, and search operations were expanded to the Arnas and Mahore areas to uncover more evidence and apprehend any remaining terrorists.
The NIA’s ongoing investigation into this heinous act aims to bring justice to the victims and ensure that those responsible for the attack are held accountable. The tragic event has underscored the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism and the need for continued vigilance and security measures to protect civilians.
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