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Terrorists Attack Bus Carrying Pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi District
At least nine pilgrims were killed and 33 others were injured when terrorists opened fire at a bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori cave shrine to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Sunday evening. The bus veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge after the attack.
Condemnation and Condolences from Leaders
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, and Ghulam Nabi Azad, condemned the dastardly attack and condoled the loss of lives.
President Murmu called the attack a crime against humanity, while Prime Minister Modi directed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to constantly monitor the situation and ensure all possible help to the affected families.
Security Forces Launch Operation
Security forces have launched a joint operation to hunt down the terrorists responsible for the attack. A temporary operation headquarters has been set up at the accident site, and a multidimensional operation has been launched to target the attackers.
The Reasi district had been relatively untouched by terror activities as compared to neighboring regions, including Rajouri and Poonch.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses shared harrowing accounts of the attack, with one survivor describing how the bus was barraged with 25 to 30 shots before it plunged down the gorge. Another witness recalled seeing a masked assailant in a red muffler firing on the bus.
Protests and Demands for Action
Several groups of people held protests in different areas of the Jammu division, including Reasi, against the terror attack and demanded stern action against the terrorists.
Continued Security Measures
The Reasi SSP said that they usually remain on high alert and have fully secured the Shiv Khori temple with frequent conduct of area domination patrols in the adjoining areas. The SSP added that they have also started firing practice for the Village Defence Guards and they all have been put on alert.
Investigation and Assistance
The identities of those killed and injured have not been ascertained yet, but they probably belonged to Uttar Pradesh. A rescue operation was launched at the earliest, and the injured pilgrims were shifted to the nearby hospitals.
The locals were among those who rushed to the spot and assisted the victims.
Conclusion
The terrorist attack on the bus carrying pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district is a tragic and condemnable act of violence. The security forces are working to apprehend the terrorists responsible for the attack and bring them to justice. The government has assured all possible assistance to the affected families and is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the people in the region.