Point of view: Security breach

This is one of the biggest attacks of its kind by insurgents in Kashmir during recent years. Suicide attacks are very rare in the valley. The alleged suicide bomber, Adil Ahmad, apparently rammed the explosive-laden car with the security vehicle.

The attack has taken place less than 10 days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s much hyped visit to the region. In a high-voltage speech in Srinagar, the prime minister noted that the government will give befitting response to every terrorist. Yesterday’s bombing could be seen as a blowback by militants, who have been facing a sustained pressure by security forces. Over 230 insurgents were killed in J & K last year, the highest number in eight years.

For India’s security establishment, the suicide attack is a massive breach of security, one that has sent shock waves across the grid. The national highway on which the CRPF bus came under attack is typically sanitised before any major security movement. Since the CRPF bus, packed with security personnel, faced the full brunt of the blast, there is apprehension that the death toll may go up further as more soldiers are reportedly grievously injured.

As condemnations flow thick and fast, there is perhaps a need to focus on the abdication of responsibility by leaders in the region to tackle the Kashmir issue politically before it is too late to fix it.