Gunmen Open Fire on Pilgrim Bus in Jammu, Killing Eight, PM Modi Condemns Attack

Gunmen attacked a pilgrim bus in Jammu‘s Reasi district, resulting in the deaths of at least eight individuals and injuring several others on Sunday. The incident took place in the Pouni area as the bus was en route from Shiv Khori to Katra. According to Senior Superintendent of Police Mohita Sharma, the victims, including the bus driver, had gunshot wounds. Empty cartridges were found at the scene.

The rescue operation concluded at 8 p.m., with the injured taken to three hospitals. Most of those affected were not locals but pilgrims returning from Shiv Khori temple. Security forces have initiated checkpoints and combing operations in the region.

These events unfolded as Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his third consecutive term after the swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi. Following the attack, PM Modi communicated his support to Jammu and Kashmir and directed constant monitoring of the situation. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha verified this directive and expressed condolences for the victims’ families, emphasizing the need for all possible aid.

In response to the tragic incident, several leaders condemned the attack. President Droupadi Murmu, Union Minister Amit Shah, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep sorrow at the loss of lives and pledged support to the affected families. They all denounced the attackers and promised that justice would prevail.

This terror attack marks a serious escalation in violence in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the relatively peaceful Reasi district. Unlike neighboring Rajouri and Poonch, Reasi has remained relatively peaceful until this unfortunate event.