Reasi district, which is fast emerging as one of the 'hot spots' of Jammu and Kashmir with a successful trial run of rail services via the world's highest railway arch bridge over river Chenab, is becoming the cynosure of all eyes.
The recent incident of the terror attack on a pilgrim bus near a famous Shiv Khori shrine and the vandalisation of a religious place in the same area have created a sense of fear among the residents as they see a sinister pattern behind these incidents.
Nine people including seven pilgrims were killed and 41 others received injuries in the terror attack on June 9.
After the initial investigation by the local police, the National Investigation Agency took over the investigation in the case and also conducted raids across several places to track down the footprints of overground workers (OGW) who may have facilitated the foreign terrorists behind the attack. So far Hakim Din- an overground worker has been arrested by the Reasi police. According to police Hakim Din sheltered the foreign terrorists and provided logistics support to execute the terror plot in exchange for a paltry sum of Rs 6000.
To register their protest the residents in the Reasi district Monday observed a complete shutdown and demanded a high-level probe to expose the evil designs of those spreading a fresh reign of terror in the otherwise peaceful area.
Meanwhile, sensing the mood of the agitated residents, Jammu and Kashmir police on Monday said three more suspects have been rounded up in connection with the vandalisation of a religious place.
To contain the anger among the residents Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi Mohita Sharma Monday said, “Those found involved in the case will be booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA), while the district administration has decided to prepare a list of all temples for installation of CCTV cameras to work as a deterrent against such incidents.”
Normal life remained paralyzed and in several places strong protests were organised seeking punishment for the perpetrators behind the incident.The place of worship was found vandalised by a visitor in a village in the Dharmari area on Saturday evening, sparking tension and protests.
Police registered an FIR under relevant sections of law and formed a Special Investigation Team headed by a deputy superintendent of Police to identify and arrest the culprits.
While 12 people were apprehended till Sunday, three more suspects were detained on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. The total number of those taken into custody for questioning in the case stands at 15, a police officer said.
He said the SIT is working on various clues to crack the case and requesting people to maintain law and order.
Police and paramilitary forces were deployed in strength in the sensitive areas as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.
Deputy Commissioner of Reasi Vishesh Paul Mahajan visited the protest site and tried to pacify the protesters, assuring that stern action would be taken against the culprits.
“Anyone trying to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere will not be spared. It is an attempt to create hurdles and sabotage developmental activities, besides communal harmony.
“This is my guarantee…. We will not tolerate any attempt to damage peace in the district,” the deputy commissioner had said. Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi, Mohita Sharma reiterated her appeal to the people to maintain calm and communal harmony, assuring that the police were committed to solving the case and tracing the culprits at the earliest.
