New Delhi
Prominent Muslim scholars and intellectuals of the country have expressed their shock over the terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims to a cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir in which at least ten persons including a child died. Terming such attacks as “unacceptable on religious grounds” they said, “attacking people who are traveling for a divine cause and make them die and bleed is reprehensible.”
Haji Syed Salman Chishti, Gadanishin, Dargah Ajmer Sharif, Chairman Chishti Foundation said the “tragic loss of our brothers and sisters in Jammu at the Reasi terrorist attack, who were mercilessly attacked while on their sacred pilgrimage, has left our hearts deeply grieved. As Gaddi Nashin of Dargah Ajmer Sharif, I stand in profound solidarity with the families of the victims, sharing their sorrow and pain.
“These pilgrims, on their path of devotion and spiritual journey, were met with an act of unimaginable violence. In these times, we must remember the teachings of love, compassion, and unity that form the core of our spiritual traditions. We pray that the souls of the departed find eternal peace and that their families are granted the strength to endure this immense loss.”
Kashmiri leaders Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack and posted their comments on X:
Shocking news coming from Reasi where nine people were killed in a bus accident reportedly caused by militants firing at the vehicle. My deepest condolences to the families & their loved ones.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) June 9, 2024
Terrible news from Reasi in J&K where 10 yatris have reportedly lost their lives & many more are injured after a terror attack on a bus. I unequivocally condemn this attack. It is unfortunate to see areas that had previously been cleared of all militants see a return of… https://t.co/cNJ1FZ2lhP
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 9, 2024
He said, “We, the Indians could honour the memory of people who lost their lives by striving for a world where love conquers hate and peace prevails over violence. “May this tragic event catalyze us all to work tirelessly towards a world where power of love and unity will vanquish such acts.”.
Assadudin Owaisi, leader of the AIMIM also condemned the incident and posted his statement on X:
We condemn the terror attack that claimed 9 innocent lives in Reasi, J&K. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Hope the accused are caught at the earliest and brought to justice.
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) June 9, 2024
Model and actor Nasir Abdullah termed the attack a cowardly act. “It is very shameful to target pilgrims who were going for darshan of God. This attack is intolerable. I am very saddened by this incident. This terrorism should be brought to an end.”
He said “killing dozens of pilgrims is reprehensible and condemnable, a crime against humanity, and God. I hope that the criminals involved in the heinous crime are brought to justice.”
Dr. Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed, author, The Meeting of Minds – A Bridging Initiative, said in a statement that the killing of innocent people is a heinous crime and puts human souls who respect humanity, and morality to shame.”
“For someone of my understanding, I wonder what is the motivation and encouragement of such sick-minded people. Their intentions are not only alarming but also a subject of research.” He said that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is a direct challenge to civil society and civic norms and their condemnation should be unconditional.
He said that the real cause behind such action must be discovered so that a final blow could be given to them and to prevent similar acts in the future. The attack on the pilgrims is just one in a series of attacks that have targeted innocent pilgrims.
Source: awazthevoice