The brutal terrorist attack in the Baisaran Valley of Kashmir has once again shaken the entire country. When domestic and foreign tourists came in search of pure peace amidst the eye-catching natural beauty, it was as if death was sitting there. At around 1:30 pm, six militants disguised in military uniforms launched a sudden attack. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers separated the tourists on the basis of religious identity, asked their names and asked them to recite Islamic verses. Those who could not or did not want to do so were shot dead at close range.
In this horrific attack, 26 innocent people lost their lives, most of whom were tourists. Many more were injured, some are still undergoing treatment in critical condition. Security agencies are considering this incident as the worst terrorist attack since the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in 2019.
The investigation into the incident quickly led to the name of Lashkar-e-Taiba. The names of three terrorists came to the fore: Adil Hussain Thokar, Ali Bhai and Hashim Musa. According to the security agency report, they used the aliases 'Musa', 'Younus' and 'Asif' during the attack.
A look into Adil Thokar's past reveals more horrifying information. He had gone to Pakistan legally in 2018, and intelligence sources say he received terrorist training there. He then secretly returned to India and started working as a guide and logistical supporter for Pakistani militants.
Another militant named Asif Sheikh was also one of the leaders of this atrocity. The houses of both of them were in Anantnag and Awantipora respectively. On Thursday night, both these houses were destroyed in a massive explosion. The administration claims that explosives were already kept in those houses. They exploded when the security forces were conducting a combing search.
So far, the Anantnag police have announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh for the heads of three militants—Adil Hussain Thokar, Ali Bhai and Hashim Musa—and a reward of Rs 20 lakh has been announced for their arrest. Intelligence agencies believe that they are still hiding in the Kashmir Valley and planning more attacks.
Where the natural beauty of Kashmir once attracted tourists, the same place is now shrouded in terror and darkness. The peaceful hills of Baisaran silently raise the question—where is the security? And how much bloodshed can we believe in something called security?
This incident is not just an attack, it is a cruel challenge to the peace efforts in the Kashmir Valley. To prevent such incidents from recurring in the future, as well as tight security measures, cooperation from the local people and international pressure are needed so that these militant groups do not find a place anywhere else.
It is desirable that the Kashmir Valley should be peaceful again. But before that, justice and appropriate punishment of the criminals are needed.
