At Least 9 Killed As Bus Rolls Down Gorge in J&K’s Reasi After Suspected Terrorist Attack; PM Takes Stock of Situation

At least 9 people were killed and 33 were injured after a bus carrying pilgrims fell into a deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Sunday following a suspected terrorist attack.

The bus, carrying pilgrims on their way to the Shiv Khori temple, came under attack in Teryath village in Poni area, the officials said citing initial reports.

The bus was allegedly attacked multiple times and several empty rounds of bullets were also found at the spot.

Due to the attack, the bus driver lost control and fell into the deep gorge. The rescue operation was completed at the earliest and the injured ones have been shifted to nearby hospitals.

Senior officer of police and other forces rushed on the spot and area was cordoned off.

SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma said, “Initial reports suggest that terrorists fired upon the passenger bus going from Shiv Khori to Katra. Due to the firing, the bus driver lost balance of the bus and it fell into gorge. 33 people were injured in the incident. Rescue operation has been completed. The identities of the passengers have not been confirmed yet, they are not locals. Shiv Khori shrine was secured and area domination was done.”

PM Modi Takes Stock To Situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken stock of the situation and has asked the Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to constantly monitor it. Taking to X, the J&K LG said that those behind this heinous act will be punished soon. He added, “Hon’ble PM has also directed that all the injured are provided the best possible medical care & assistance,” he added.

Reactions Pour In On Raesi Tragedy

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the culprits of this dastardly attack will not be spared and will face the wrath of the law. Taking to X, Shah said, “Deeply pained by the incident of the attack on pilgrims in Reasi, J&K. Spoke to the Lieutenant Governor and the DGP, J&K, and inquired about the incident.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the attack on the bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir is extremely reprehensible.

The Congress party took to their official X account and expressed its condolences to the grief-stricken family.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad also condemned the militant attack on the pilgrim bus in Ransoo, Reasi.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and hoped for the speedy recovery of the injured. Calling the incident ‘cowardly’, he said that the incident brings out true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge also condemned the gruesome terror attack on our people and deliberate affront to National Security.

Jammu Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack and said that it is unfortunate to see areas that had previously been cleared of all militants see a return of militancy.

(with PTI inputs)