Nine people were killed in Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir when terrorists fired at a bus carrying pilgrims causing the bus to fall off a gorge. Over 30 people were also injured in the incident.
District Police Reasi informed in a statement on Sunday that the incident took place at around 6:10 pm in Pouni area of Reasi district bordering Rajouri district when a bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori to Katra was apparently by terrorist using firearms. “The driver was hit and lost control, resulting in the bus sliding into the nearby gorge,” the Police said. It was also informed that the passengers of the 53-seat bus were all evacuated with the help of local villagers by 8.10 pm.
The statement said that eight deaths had been confirmed, however on Monday, SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma told media persons that nine people were dead. The 33 injured have been referred to various hospitals. District headquarter hospital Reasi (13), CHC Treyath (5), GMC in Jammu (15), the Police added.
Senior officer of police and other forces rushed on the spot and area is been cordoned off. Further, a joint security force temporary operation Hqr by Police, Army and CRPF has been set up at the site and multidimensional operation has been launched to get at the attackers, District Police Reasi stated.
The Office of Lt. Governor of J&K informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation and directed constant monitoring of the situation. PM has also directed that all the injured are provided the best possible medical care and assistance, LG, Manoj Sinha said.
President Droupadi Murmu has condemned the terrorist attack and termed it “a crime against humanity”. She extended support to the families of the victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Union Minister Amit Shah said that he was deeply pained by the incident. “The culprits of this dastardly attack will not be spared and will face the wrath of the law”, he stated while informing that the local administration is working on a war footing to provide immediate medical attention.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the “gruesome terror attack on our people and deliberate affront to our National Security.” He said that the Government and authorities should provide immediate assistance and compensation to the victims.
Reminding that terror incidents in Jammu & Kashmir are continuing unabated, Kharge alleged that the “chest-thumping propaganda of bringing peace and normalcy by the Modi (now NDA) Govt rings hollow.”
India stands united against terrorism, Kharge asserted.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated that this “shameful incident is the true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Expressing condolences to the bereaved families and wishing speedy recovery to the injured, Gandhi reaffirmed that the “entire country stands united against terrorism.”
