Terrorist Attack on Pilgrims' Bus in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi District Leaves Nine Dead, 33 Injured

A bus carrying pilgrims was attacked by terrorists in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in nine deaths and 33 injuries. The bus fell into a gorge after the attack.

In a tragic incident on Sunday evening, terrorists opened fire on a bus carrying pilgrims in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. The attack occurred around 6.15 pm near Teryath village in the Poni area. The bus, which was en route from the Shiv Khori temple to Katra, veered off the road due to the gunfire and plunged into a deep gorge.

The 53-seater bus was carrying pilgrims, mostly from Uttar Pradesh, though their exact identities are still being confirmed. The assault resulted in the death of nine pilgrims and left 33 others injured. Rescue operations were promptly carried out, and the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Reasi senior superintendent of police, Mohita Sharma, informed the media about the completion of rescue operations and confirmed that the passengers were not locals. She also assured that the Shiv Khori shrine had been secured and area domination measures were in place to prevent further incidents.

This attack signifies a troubling escalation in violence in Jammu and Kashmir. Historically, Reasi district has experienced fewer terrorist activities compared to its neighboring districts like Rajouri and Poonch. The sudden surge in violence in this relatively peaceful area has raised concerns among local authorities and residents.

The Indian Army and other security forces have intensified their vigilance in the region following the attack. Security measures have been bolstered around key areas, including religious shrines and major transit routes, to ensure the safety of locals and visitors.

The incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of security for pilgrims and tourists in the region. Authorities are likely to review and enhance security protocols to prevent such attacks in the future.

In the wake of the attack, there has been an outpouring of condolences from various quarters, with calls for stronger measures to counter terrorism in the region. The government is expected to take stringent actions to address the security concerns and provide support to the victims' families.

This tragic event underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining security and peace in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and robust counter-terrorism efforts.