In a profound display of valor and sacrifice, Vijay Kumar, the bus driver, and his helper Arjun, emerged as unsung heroes in the face of terror’s brutality. Their selfless actions, which ultimately cost them their lives, stand as a beacon of courage and resilience amidst tragedy in Reasi.
As the bus ferrying pilgrims from the revered Shiv Khori shrine came under siege by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, Kumar’s quick thinking and unwavering resolve proved instrumental in averting a greater catastrophe. Based on the reports from OpIndia, the driver was struck in the forehead as terrorists opened fire on the road. The bus veered off the road, flipping in the air. Subsequently, the terrorists fired short bursts at the overturned bus. Refusing to succumb to the demands of the assailants, he steadfastly kept the passengers on board, even as bullets rained down upon them.
Ranjith Kumar, the bus owner, shed light on the harrowing sequence of events that unfolded. “Vijay Kumar, the driver, and Arjun, the helper, displayed remarkable bravery in the face of grave danger. Despite being confronted by terrorists, they refused to abandon their duty to protect the passengers,” he recounted with emotion.
“Vijay Kumar’s swift actions saved many lives that day. He understood the gravity of the situation and chose to confront the danger head-on, even at the cost of his own life. His sacrifice will forever be remembered as a shining example of selflessness and heroism,” Ranjith Kumar remarked, his words echoing the sentiments of a nation in mourning.
The helper Arjun/Arun alerted the passengers and ensured that the doors of the bus were locked so that the terrorists did not have access to the passengers. He prevented them from barging in and showering bullets on the Hindus inside the bus. He was one among those who lost their lives in this dastardly terror attack.
Based on the reports from OpIndia, on Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir Police detained around 50 suspects, according to officials. The detentions came after an extensive investigation led by the police and security forces, which yielded significant leads aiding in the identification and apprehension of individuals potentially involved in orchestrating the attack, according to a police spokesperson. To ensure a thorough probe, search operations were expanded to cover the remote areas of Arnas and Mahore, which were known as terrorist hotbeds between 1995 and 2005.
The crackdown followed the tragic incident on Sunday evening (June 9) when a 53-seater bus ferrying pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, was fired upon by terrorists, resulting in nine fatalities, including a minor, and injuring 41 others. The bus, carrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi, plunged into a deep gorge. The ongoing search operations aim to uncover further evidence and apprehend any terrorists potentially hiding in these remote regions. Also, J&K Police released the suspect’s sketch, offering a Rs 20 lakh reward for information in relation to the terror attack. “Law enforcement agencies are dedicated to bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the area,” emphasized the spokesperson.
Despite the horrific tragedy, the bravery of the Hindu driver and helper exemplifies the dedication and courage of Hindu individuals who, irrespective of their own lives, courageously face the jaws of death to save others. Their sacrifice in the Reasi terror attack embodies the selflessness and valor deeply ingrained in the Hindu community, as they put the safety of others above their own, serving as a poignant reminder of the unwavering spirit of humanity in the face of adversity. In a world plagued by radical Islamism and terrorism, Hindu driver and helper’s selfless actions to safeguard innocent pilgrims served as a defiant response to the terrorists.
