Nine pilgrims were killed and 33 injured after terrorists fired on a bus carrying pilgrims in the Pouni area of Reasi district, which resulted in the vehicle plunging into a gorge.
The attack occurred on the same day as the swearing-in ceremony of the Modi Government.
The driver, also wounded in the attack, lost control of the bus, causing it to slide into a nearby gorge. Prompt action by local villagers and police led to the evacuation of all passengers by 8:10 pm.
Supervised by Reasi senior superintendent of police (SSP), Mohita Sharma,the evacuation efforts saw the injured being swiftly shifted to various hospitals.
“Twenty-six pilgrims injured in the attack are being shifted to Government Medical College and Hospital Jammu for advanced treatment,” informed GMC-Jammu Principal, Dr.Ashutosh.
The injured, en route to GMC-Jammu, were still in transit at the time of reporting.
The terrorists struck at approximately 6:10 pm while the bus was en route from Shivkhori to Katra after pilgrims had visited Shivkhori for Darshan.
The intense firing from the terrorists caused the driver to lose control, resulting in the tragic slide into the gorge.
Nine deaths have been confirmed. The 33 injured have been referred to various hospitals like District headquarter hospital Reasi (13), CHC Treyath (5), GMC in Jammu.
A joint search operation by the Army, CRPF, and J&K Police is underway to apprehend the attackers.
PM takes stock of situation after terror attack
LG condemns terror attack
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has strongly condemned the terror attack on a bus in Reasi today.
The Lieutenant Governor extended his deepest condolences to the family members of civilians who have lost their lives in the terror attack. He said the Prime Minister NarendraModi took stock of the situation and directed him to constantly monitor the situation and to ensure all possible assistance to the families.
The Lieutenant Governor posted on X:
“I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on a bus in Reasi. My condolences to the family members of the martyred civilians. Our security forces & JKP have launched a joint operation to hunt down the terrorists.
PM ShriNarendraModiJi took stock of the situation and has asked me to constantly monitor the situation. All those behind this heinous act will be punished soon. Hon’ble PM has also directed that all the injured are provided the best possible medical care & assistance”.
How BJP and Opposition Leaders Reacted to The Incident:
1. President Droupadi Murmu said she was "anguished by the terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir".
"This dastardly act is a crime against humanity and must be condemned in the strongest words. The nation stands with the families of the victims. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," Murmu posted on X.
2. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey said, "We condemn this terror attack in the strongest of words. We also ask the question to government which claims that terror activities have been ended after the abrogation of Article 370 as we (the government) have eliminated terrorists. But, we are getting such news quite often."
"After the swearing-in ceremony, you should hold a high-level meeting in this regard. Whatever cooperation you'll need from the opposition to eliminate terrorism, we will stand by your side. We won't do politics on this issue... We want a terror-free, fear-free Jammu & Kashmir," Dubey said Merely abrogating Article 370 on paper won't work. This government should respond to the terrorists within 24 hours, the entire opposition will stand by you." (09-06)
3. Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai tweets, "There is sad news of the death of 10 people in a terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori temple in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. There are also reports of many people being injured in the attack."
"This cowardly attack by terrorists is extremely reprehensible, I strongly condemn it. I pray to God for peace to the departed souls, to provide strength to the bereaved families and for the speedy recovery of the injured," he added.
4. Jammu and Kashmir BJP President Ravinder Raina said, "Cowardly Pakistani terrorists have carried out a cowardly attack on the passengers in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir... Cowardly Pakistani terrorists cannot face the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and our paramilitary forces... The terrorists who have carried out this audacity will have to pay a heavy price for their crime."
5. Union Minister and BDJP National President JP Nadda tweets, "Deeply pained by the cowardly attack on the bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi, J&K, my deepest condolences go to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this heinous act against pilgrims. I am praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and for God to give strength to the bereaved families to endure the pain during this difficult time."
6. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "...This shameful incident is the true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir."
7. BJP MP Kangana Ranaut said, "I strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack on the pilgrims in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir. I pray for the departed and hope for the swift recovery of the injured."
8. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, "We unequivocally condemn this gruesome terror attack on our people and deliberate affront to our National Security...All the chest-thumping propaganda of bringing peace and normalcy by the Modi (now NDA) Govt rings hollow."
Read Also: India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024
9. NC leader Omar Abdullah posted on X, "...I unequivocally condemn this attack. It is unfortunate to see areas that had previously been cleared of all militants see a return of militancy. May the deceased rest in peace & may the injured make a swift recovery."
10. J&K BJP leader Kavinder Gupta said, "It is very saddening...It is worrying that the terrorists have started directing their gameplan from Kashmir towards Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi..."
