Pilgrims Targeted as Instagram Takes Action Against #AllEyesOnReasi Campaign

 As dawn broke on Monday, security personnel were seen combing the Reasi district for any clues and to apprehend the attackers responsible for the brutal assault on Hindu pilgrims. The Pakistan-backed group TRF (The Resistance Front) openly claimed responsibility for this attack, which resulted in the tragic deaths of nine to ten people, with many others severely injured.

The attack took place in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, where Hindu pilgrims were traveling from the Shivkhori cave. Terrorists fired indiscriminately at a bus carrying the pilgrims, resulting in multiple rounds of gunfire, causing the driver to lose control. The bus then plunged into a ravine, leading to more casualties. Witnesses reported that even after the bus fell, the terrorists continued firing.

The attackers were identified as foreign nationals, with no connection to India. They were reportedly armed with advanced US-made M4 rifles, rather than the more commonly used AK-47s, indicating a high level of planning and sophistication in the attack. It is believed that these terrorists most likely came from Pakistan.

TRF, which claims to be based in India but is widely considered an extension of the Pakistani terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), openly took responsibility for the Reasi attack. TRF has stated that they will continue to carry out similar attacks on various tourists in India, whether domestic or international.

Lashkar-e-Taiba, led by UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, has a long history of attacks in India. Over the years, TRF has targeted various communities, including Kashmiri Pandits, Hindus, Sikhs, and even Muslims. Notable attacks attributed to TRF include the 2022 Keran and Naushera encounters, the 2021 BJP councilors' meeting attack, the 2022 IED attack, and the 2023 Anantnag encounter. LeT is responsible for the infamous 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people and injured over 300.

The recent attack has prompted discussions on enhancing security measures for both military personnel and civilians. Proposals include bulletproof vehicles for transporting army personnel and increased security for pilgrims, although these measures would require significant funding.

Efforts to raise awareness about the attack on social media faced challenges. Instagram blocked the hashtag campaign #AllEyesOnReasi, making it difficult for users to discuss and spread information about the incident. This stands in stark contrast to the recent #AllEyesOnRafah campaign, which gained significant traction and was supported by various Bollywood actors, including Varun Dhawan.

The attack has drawn international condemnation. The Israeli ambassador to India expressed deep shock and solidarity with the victims, while Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan condemned the attack, although awareness of the incident remains limited. Dutch politician Geert Wilders also tweeted in support, criticizing Pakistani terrorism and calling for the protection of Indian citizens.

The Indian government is expected to respond to TRF's claims and the broader issue of cross-border terrorism. The effectiveness of coalition governments in dealing with such threats remains a topic of debate. The situation underscores the need for comprehensive security strategies and international cooperation to combat terrorism effectively.

India has a history of responding to cross-border terrorism with measures such as the 2016 surgical strikes across the Line of Control in response to the Uri attack. The government's response to the Reasi attack will be closely watched, as the nation seeks to address the ongoing threat posed by Pakistan-based terrorist groups.