J&K bus terror attack: 50 detained, search expanded to far-flung areas of Reasi

Digital Desk: Jammu and Kashmir Police have detained 50 suspects in connection with the recent terror attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi district, signaling a significant breakthrough in the investigation. The detentions came after an extensive probe led by police and security forces, which provided crucial leads in identifying and capturing potential orchestrators of the attack.

"These areas were terrorist hotbeds between 1995 and 2005," noted a police spokesperson, underlining the historical context of the region's security challenges.

The attack, which claimed nine lives, including that of a minor, and left 41 others injured, occurred when terrorists fired upon a 53-seater bus transporting pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. Pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi were aboard the bus.

As part of a major crackdown, ongoing search operations aim to discover additional evidence and apprehend terrorists possibly hiding in remote regions. The spokesperson affirmed the law enforcement agencies' commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and maintaining the safety of residents and visitors.

Simultaneously, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have released sketches of four terrorists involved in attacks in the Doda district, offering a reward of Rs 20 lakh for information leading to their arrest.

Heightened vigilance prevails across several districts, including Sunderbani, Nowshera, Domana, Lamberi, and Akhnoor, following intelligence warnings of potential attacks by terror outfits on security forces. Intelligence agencies have cautioned against anticipated 'fidayeen' (suicide) attacks on security installations, urging maximum alertness in these areas.

The developments highlight the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and safeguard public security in the region, emphasizing the collaborative approach of law enforcement agencies in tackling such threats effectively.