In a scathing attack on Monday, Congress leader Pawan Khera targeted newly appointed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning his claims of peace in Jammu and Kashmir. “We want to ask whether peace comes only through political rhetoric?” Khera said.
This statement comes a day after nine pilgrims were killed and 33 others injured when terrorists fired upon a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, causing the vehicle to fall into a gorge.
On his official X account, Khera expressed skepticism, stating, “We are arrogantly told that there’s peace in Kashmir. We want to ask if peace in Kashmir can only come through cheap political oneupmanship.”
Highlighting the breadth of those affected, Khera said, “There’s no peace for daily wagers, no peace for Kashmiri Pandits, no peace for local residents, no peace for tourists, no peace for security forces, and no peace for pilgrims.”
Khera drew comparison between contrasting events, remarking, “On one side the oath-taking ceremony of the NDA govt was taking place, on another side pilgrims were getting attacked by terrorists while there was also an Indo-Pak cricket match going on.”
“We want to now know, can cricket and terror go together? “, he asked.
Reasi Terrorist Attack
Nine pilgrims died, and 33 others suffered injuries on Sunday evening when terrorists attacked a bus carrying them in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi, causing the vehicle to plunge into a gorge.
According to Reasi SSP Mohita Sharma, militants ambushed the bus while it was enroute from Shivpuri to Katra. Following the attack, the driver lost control, leading to the fatal fall.
“Rescue operation has been completed – nine people are dead, and the 33 injured have been hospitalized. The people (in the bus) are not locals, but their identities are yet to be confirmed. So far, we’ve learned that they may be from Uttar Pradesh,” stated Sharma.
When asked about prior intelligence regarding militant activity in the area, Sharma responded, “Whenever there’s an incident of militancy, we are on high alert… The Shivpuri shrine had been secured, and in adjoining areas too, we had been conducting area domination activities.”
Meanwhile, PM Modi took stock of the situation and directed J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to constantly monitor the situation and ensure all possible help to the affected families.