Terrorist Attack on Bus in Jammu and Kashmir Claims 10 Lives, Injures Dozens

A tragic incident unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir‘s Reasi district, as a group of terrorists unleashed a deadly attack on a bus carrying pilgrims returning from the Shiv Khori temple to Katra’s Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The bus, with a capacity of 53 passengers, tragically veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge following the assault, claiming the lives of at least 10 individuals, including a child. Several others sustained injuries in the heinous act that occurred around 6:15 pm on Sunday.

The Reasi Senior Superintendent of Police, Mohita Sharma, confirmed the dire situation, reporting that the driver lost control of the bus after the militants’ attack, resulting in the fatal plunge near the Kanda area of Pouni. The grim outcome left nine pilgrims dead on the spot, while 33 more individuals were wounded and required immediate medical attention.

The condemnation and sorrow over the brutal attack poured in from various high-ranking officials and political figures. President Droupadi Murmu labeled the incident as a «crime against humanity,» urging for harsh condemnation and expressing solidarity with the victims’ families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to oversee the situation and provide all necessary support to those affected.

Amit Shah, assuming his position as Union Minister, vehemently denounced the attack, promising severe consequences for the perpetrators. Intensive efforts were launched by security forces, including the police, Indian Army, and CRPF, to locate the terrorists believed to be hiding in the upper regions of Rajouri, Reasi, and Poonch.

In the wake of the tragedy, protests erupted in the Jammu division, calling for justice and strict action against the assailants. Eyewitnesses recounted the chilling details of the attack, with the bus being riddled by 25 to 30 shots before careening into the gorge. Security measures in the Shiv Khori temple area have been heightened, with patrols intensified to ensure the safety of pilgrims.