Reasi Terror Attack: Bus Plunges into Gorge, Killing 9 Pilgrims
On Sunday at around 6:15 pm, a 53-seater bus carrying pilgrims was ambushed by terrorists in Reasi. The bus veered off the road and fell into a deep gorge. At least nine people, including a child, were killed, and 33 others were injured. The pilgrims were traveling from the Shiv Khori cave shrine to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, Jammu.
Reasi SSP Mohita Sharma reported, “A group of militants attacked a Yatri bus coming from the Ransoo area of district Reasi. Due to the attack, the driver lost control, and the bus fell into a gorge near the Kanda area of Pouni. Nine people died, and 33 others were injured.”
Leaders Condemn Attack
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemned the attack. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, and Ghulam Nabi Azad also expressed their condolences.
President Murmu called the attack a crime against humanity, stating, “I am anguished by the terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi district. This dastardly act is a crime against humanity and must be condemned. The nation stands with the families of the victims. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Government Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation and directed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to provide all possible help to the affected families. Sinha stated, “The Hon’ble Prime Minister took stock of the situation and directed me to monitor it constantly and ensure assistance to the families.”
Security forces have launched a joint operation to find the terrorists. Union Minister Amit Shah condemned the attack and vowed that those responsible would face justice. He spoke with LG Sinha and DGP R R Swain to assess the situation.
Calls for Investigation
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the attack and demanded an investigation. She said, “Learnt that there has been an incident of attack on some pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in 9 deaths. The matter should be immediately investigated. I convey my profound condolences to the victim families.”
Rescue Operations
SSP Sharma described the incident as a “clear case of terror attack” and noted that a rescue operation was launched quickly. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals. The identities of the victims are still being confirmed, but they are believed to be from Uttar Pradesh.
Eyewitness Accounts
Locals rushed to help the victims. Eyewitnesses shared their harrowing experiences, with one survivor describing how the bus was hit by 25 to 30 shots before plunging into the gorge. Another witness saw a masked assailant in a red muffler firing at the bus.
SSP Sharma added that the area remains on high alert, with regular patrols around the Shiv Khori temple. “We have also started firing practice for the Village Defence Guards, and they have all been put on alert,” she said.
Discussion about this post