NEW DELHI: Delhi and Mumbai have been placed on high alert following an attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in J&K’s Reasi district on Sunday. The terror incident has alarmed security agencies, indicating that militants are expanding both their operational areas and target selection.
A senior intelligence officer reported that Delhi police have been instructed to increase security around places of worship, malls, and markets. This heightened vigilance is due to concerns that terror groups may attempt another strike in the coming days to protest the formation of the NDA government at the Centre.
“The timing of the attack, coinciding with the swearing-in ceremony, has put us on alert in Delhi. We are taking preventive measures to thwart any such attempts in the capital,” the officer added.
The Reasi attack has revived memories of a similar incident in the same area in 2022. On May 13 of that year, a bus carrying pilgrims caught fire, resulting in four deaths and 24 injuries. Initial investigations suggested using a “sticky bomb” in that attack. The “J&K Freedom Fighters,” a group allegedly linked to Lashkar and similar to the TRF, claimed responsibility. This group had also killed a BJP sarpanch in April 2022. No major incidents were reported in the district until a large lithium reserve was discovered in Reasi in February 2023.
Local investigations and a cordon and search operation are underway in Reasi, while intelligence agencies and Delhi’s Special Cell are actively seeking leads. The recent attack left 10 people dead, including the driver of the 53-seater bus, and 41 injured.
Initial probes suggest the use of an M4 carbine and the involvement of 3-4 Pakistani terrorists who may have infiltrated some time ago. The use of the American M4 has been noted in several incidents in the valley since last year. In 2023, this weapon was used in the Poonch terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of four soldiers.
The ISI-front group “People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF)” claimed responsibility for that attack, with terrorists releasing pictures from the site showcasing the use of M4 assault rifles. This weapon is also used by Pakistani special forces and the special security unit of the Sindh Police.
