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10 pilgrims are killed as a bus crashes into gorges in J&K following terror attack

Ten people were killed and 33 others were injured after suspected terrorists fired upon a bus carrying pilgrims from a shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Sunday, police and officials said. The bus rolled down a gorge following the attack.

Sunil BhatJammu,UPDATED: Jun 10, 2024 06:29IST

Edited By: Prateek Chakraborty09/06/2024

The incident took place at about 6:10 pm when terrorists fired on the bus, which was going back from Shiv Khori temple in Reasi to Katra police said.

With the assistance of the local villager community, police evacuated all passengers before 8:10 after. Chief of police (SP) Reasi supervised the evacuation and transported the injured to hospitals. Police reported that 10 deaths have been confirmed. the injured 33 were referred to different medical facilities located within Reasi, Treyath and Jammu.

A joint headquarters for Police, Indian Army and CRPF was established at the site. A multi-dimensional attack was launched to hunt down the attackers.

According to the sources that are consulted, terrorists are believed to be hidden in the upper regions in Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi.

Top 10 points on Jammu-Kashmir terror attack

Narendra Modi was sworn in as PM for a third consecutive time assessed the current situation, and commanded that the injured be given the best medical treatment and treatment, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated via a Twitter.
“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 and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a joint operation to hunt down the terrorists,” the official tweeted.
BJP chief Amit Shah who swore oath as an Secretary of State for the Union Cabinet today, said he was “deeply pained” by the attack. He claimed he had a conversation with the Lieutenant Governor Sinha and said that terrorists will not be left unpunished.
“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. The culprits of this dastardly attack will not be spared and will face the wrath of the law,” the DGP tweeted.
National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah “unequivocally” condemned the attack, and wished quick recovery to the wounded.
“Terrible news from Reasi in J&K where 10 yatrishave reportedly lost their lives and many more are injured after a terror attack on a bus. I unequivocally condemn this attack. It is unfortunate to see areas that had previously been cleared of all militants see a return of militancy. May the deceased rest in peace and may the injured make a swift recovery,” He tweeted.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also condemned the attack and called on the government to immediately provide aid and compensation to the victims.
He also criticised on the newly elected NDA government which took over earlier today for the rise of terror attacks across Jammu as well as Kashmir.
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi branded the attack “saddening” and said it is a reflection of an “worrying security situation” in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The cowardly terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from Shivkhodi temple in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir is extremely saddening. This shameful incident is the true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir,” He tweeted.
President Droupadi Murmu has condemned the attack and stated that the heinous act was an act of treason against humanity.
“I am anguished by the terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. This dastardly act is a crime against humanity, and must be condemned in the strongest words. The nation stands with the families of the victims. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” President Droupadi Murmu tweeted.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday expressed sorrow over the loss of nine people during an assault by terrorists on a bus that had pilgrims aboard at Jammu and Kashmir as well as demanded an inquiry into the attack.
Going to X, Banerjee said, “Learnt that there has been an incident of attack on some pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir, and there have been consequently 9 deaths. The matter should be immediately investigated into. I convey my profound condolences to the victim families.”
The Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday described the attack that killed the bus that carried pilgrims to Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi neighborhood as “extremely reprehensible”.
“The attack on the bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir is extremely reprehensible,” Singh stated on the ‘X’.
“My heart goes out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones in this heinous act against pilgrims. I also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” said the priest. stated.
SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma, the Senior Chief of Police (SSP) Reasi Mohita Sharma stated that the driver lost weight of his bus and plunged into a gorge because of the fire. The passengers are not locals and their identities were not yet confirmed.
“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 a gorge. 33 people were injured in the incident. Rescue operation has been completed,” SSP Sharma informed reporters.
“The identities of the passengers have not been confirmed yet, they are not locals. Shiv Khori shrine was secured and area domination was done,” she added.
It happened for the second time that terrorists struck a pilgrimage bus within Jammu and Kashmir within the last three years. A bus that was that was carrying Amarnath pilgrims was shot at with a gun by militants of the Kashmir’s Anantnag District in the month of July. The attack killed seven pilgrims while injuring 19 others.