SRINAGAR: In a horrifying incident of its kind, a bus carrying pilgrims to the Shiv Khori temple in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district plunged into a deep gorge following a suspected militant attack on Sunday evening. So far nine persons are reported dead and 33 are injured.
The incident occurred around 6:15 PM in Teryath village, Poni area and the rescue operations is going on.
Initial reports indicate that the 53-seater bus, en route from the Shiv Khori temple to Katra, came under fire from suspected militants. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi, Mohita Sharma, stated that the attackers fired multiple rounds at the bus, resulting in the driver being hit. Losing control of the vehicle, the driver veered off the road, causing the bus to tumble into a steep gorge.
A large-scale rescue operation was immediately launched upon receiving news of the attack. Reinforcements from the police, army, and paramilitary forces were rushed to the site to assist in the rescue efforts. The injured passengers were swiftly transported to the district hospital in Reasi for medical treatment. Efforts to secure the area and ensure the safety of other pilgrims were promptly undertaken, with the Shiv Khori shrine being thoroughly secured.
Earlier, DC Reasi Vishesh Mahajan confirmed the death toll, stating that 10 individuals had lost their lives in the attack. SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma provided additional details, explaining that the victims were not residents but were likely from Uttar Pradesh and that efforts were ongoing to confirm their identities. She emphasised the tragic nature of the incident. She highlighted the calculated nature of the attack, indicating that the fugitives appeared to have been waiting for the bus on the highway.
“This is an unfortunate incident in which nine persons are feared dead and 33 others injured. Prima facie it looks like terrorists were waiting for the bus and attacked it on the highway,” SSP was quoted as having said at the spot of the tragedy. “The driver of the bus was hit by a bullet after which the bus rolled down into the gorge.”
This attack marks a significant escalation in violence in the region. Reasi district has been relatively untouched by terrorist activities compared to neighbouring areas such as Rajouri and Poonch. The deliberate targeting of a bus carrying pilgrims highlights the growing threat posed by terrorist groups and their intent to destabilise the region.
The pilgrims were on their way to Katra after their darshan at Shiv Khori temple. Residents told police that they heard almost 50 bullet shots being fired in a forest area. Very disturbing photographs from the spot are circulating on social media showing human bodies scattered in the forests. One photograph shows the people rescued taking waiting on the road.
The bus JK02E-3485, one report said is a 42-seater, and was routinely plying between Shiv Khori and Katra daily. This was the first time that it encountered such a tragic incident in which it fell into a 150 to 200-foot-deep gorge. The security grid has launched an operation to locate the attackers.
Condemnations
The attack has drawn strong condemnation from various political leaders. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah expressed outrage at the violent act. They condemned the attack as a significant barrier to achieving enduring peace in the region and called for unity among all communities during these challenging times. They extended their heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, offering deep sympathy in this period of tragedy.
“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,” Omar Abdullah wrote on his Facebook wall. “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.”
The Congress on Sunday condemned the gruesome terror attack on a bus carrying pilgrims that resulted in the loss of nine lives and said the incident reflects the true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, “Even while PM, Shri Narendra Modi and his NDA Government get sworn in and heads of several countries are in the country, a dastardly terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims has resulted in loss of lives of at least 10 Indians.”
“We unequivocally condemn this gruesome terror attack on our people and deliberate affront to our National Security,” he said in a post on X.
The Congress president said just three weeks ago, tourists were fired upon in Pahalgam, and several terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir are continuing unabated.
“All the chest-thumping propaganda of bringing peace and normalcy by the Modi (now NDA) Government rings hollow. India stands united against terrorism,” Kharge said.
“Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims wish and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Government and authorities should provide immediate assistance and compensation to the victims,” he said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the cowardly terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from Shivkhodi temple in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district is extremely saddening.
“This shameful incident is the true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir,” Gandhi said in a post on X.
“I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. The entire country stands united against terrorism,” the former Congress chief said.
