A bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori temple in Jammu and Kashmir came under heavy terrorist fire in the Reasi district, causing the driver to lose control and drive into a deep gorge. 10 people have been confirmed dead in the attack, and 33 others have been injured. The incident occurred on Sunday, at the same time that ministers of the third Modi government were taking oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. A rescue operation was launched, and initial reports suggest that the victims were not locals and may have been from Uttar Pradesh.
Tragic Bus Attack in Reasi District: Terror Strikes Pilgrims
Background
The Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir has been a hotbed of terrorist activity for decades. The region, which is predominately Hindu, has faced repeated attacks by Pakistan-backed militant groups seeking to destabilize India. In recent years, the number of such attacks has diminished due to the efforts of Indian security forces.
The Attack
On Sunday, July 31st, 2021, a bus carrying pilgrims returning from the Shiv Khori temple in Katra, Reasi, came under heavy terrorist fire. The attack occurred in the early hours of the morning, around 5:45 AM. The driver of the bus lost control and drove into a deep gorge, resulting in the tragic deaths of 10 people.
Victims and Injuries
Initial reports suggest that the victims were not locals but may have been from Uttar Pradesh. 33 people were injured in the attack, including some who are in critical condition.
Rescue Operation
A massive rescue operation was launched by Indian security forces, including the army and police. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who is responsible for the attack?
The attack has been claimed by the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
2. Why did the terrorists target pilgrims?
Pilgrims are often seen as soft targets by terrorists. Attacks on religious gatherings have occurred frequently in Jammu and Kashmir in the past.
3. What is the security situation in Reasi district?
The security situation in Reasi district has been tense in recent years due to terrorist activity. However, the number of attacks has declined in recent months.
4. What measures are being taken to prevent future attacks?
Indian security forces are on high alert and have increased security measures in the region. They are also working to neutralize terrorist cells and prevent them from carrying out attacks.
5. What is the government's response to the attack?
The Indian government has condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. It has also announced financial assistance to the families of the victims.
In a surprising admission, Pakistan's Army Chief has finally acknowledged that Pakistani soldiers were killed during the Kargil conflict, years after former Army Chief Musharraf confessed to the reality of the conflict. Amidst controversy surrounding Pakistan's observance of September 6 as Defense Day, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has also claimed Junagadh as part of Pakistan, comparing it to the Kashmir issue. Additionally, a major update in Pakistan's political scene: prominent Baloch leader Maherang Baloch is receiving support from Imran Khan's party, a significant endorsement for the Baloch movement.
The United Nations General Assembly has officially declared July 6 as 'World Rural Development Day' to raise awareness about the crucial role of rural development in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Member states, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to observe this day and participate in activities promoting sustainable rural development. Additionally, the General Assembly has also adopted a resolution calling for the annual convening of the "United Nations Games" and inviting stakeholders to contribute to a trust fund dedicated to the games.
Amid growing tensions in Bangladesh, award-winning author Taslima Nasreen has sparked controversy by stating that Muslims in Bangladesh are being indoctrinated to hate India and embrace sister country Pakistan. This statement was accompanied by a photo showing apparent Bangladeshis holding flags of Bangladesh and Pakistan, leading to discussions about the ingrained notions of Muslim brotherhood in the country.
In a statement issued from the Deputy Prime Minister's Office in Dar es Salaam, Doto Biteko urged African countries to tap into the potential of green hydrogen to drive sustainable development, transition to green energy, and lead the global energy revolution. Speaking at the Global African Hydrogen Summit in Windhoek, Biteko emphasized the need for increased energy access and the utilization of available resources such as hydro, natural gas, and renewables. He also highlighted the challenges and opportunities associated with investing in green hydrogen, calling for collaborative efforts and visionary leadership from African governments.
On September 8, 2024, the world will come together to observe International Literacy Day, dedicated to promoting literacy as a human right and integral to building sustainable societies. With the theme of "Promoting multilingual education," UNESCO emphasizes the power of literacy to foster mutual understanding and peace. By embracing diverse languages, the world can harness the transformative potential of literacy and promote social cohesion and harmony.
A 20-year-old Pakistani citizen, identified as Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, has been arrested and charged for attempting to carry out a terror attack targeting Jews in New York City. The attack was planned to coincide with the anniversary of a previous Hamas attack on Israel. Khan, who is also known as Shahzeb Jadoon, was arrested in Canada and faces charges in both the US and Canada for his alleged involvement with ISIS. Thanks to the joint effort of American and Canadian law enforcement, the suspect was apprehended before he could reach the US-Canada border.
The ongoing political turmoil in Myanmar has resulted in the loss of innocent lives as the military junta, which took power in a coup in 2021, has been accused of using brutal tactics to suppress opposition. In a recent incident, 11 civilians, including women and children, were killed and 11 others injured in air strikes on a town near the Chinese border. The ethnic armed group TNLA, which has been fighting against the junta, has claimed responsibility for the attacks and condemns the junta's use of air and artillery strikes against civilian communities.
Vistara, a Mumbai-based Indian airline, has sent an alternative aircraft and new crew to fly the stranded passengers of its Mumbai-Frankfurt flight after it was diverted to Turkey due to a bomb threat. The flight was scheduled to arrive in Frankfurt at 5:30 PM local time but was delayed due to the incident. The substitute aircraft is expected to arrive at the Turkish airport at 12:25 PM and depart for Frankfurt by 2:30 PM local time.
Ganesh Chaturthi, the significant Hindu festival marking the birth of Lord Ganesha, will be celebrated with fervor across India on September 7, 2024. Follow this page for live updates on the 10-day festival celebrated in Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala, and learn about the auspicious muhurat for installing the Ganesh idol. Discover the significance of celebrating Ganesh Utsav for 10 days and the belief that all tasks are successfully accomplished during this period of worship.
In a preliminary report released by investigators in Brazil, pilots of a Brazilian passenger plane that crashed last month, killing all 62 people on board, reported a failure in the system to remove ice from the plane. The report added more credibility to the hypothesis that the crash was caused by ice formation on the plane's wings and a malfunctioning de-icing system. Weather reports from the day of the accident predicted ice formation in the region, and audio from the cockpit's voice recorder revealed the pilots' comments on ice accumulation. Despite the investigation still ongoing, the incident has raised concerns about airline safety and the importance of functioning de-icing systems in preventing accidents.