JAMMU: 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”.
