Ten people were killed and 33 others were injured after suspected terrorists attacked a bus carrying pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Sunday. The incident occurred at 6:10 pm when the terrorists opened fire on the bus that was returning from the Shiv Khori temple in Reasi to Katra. Following the attack, the bus rolled down a gorge.
Local villagers and police managed to evacuate all passengers by 8:10 pm, under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) Reasi. The injured were rushed to various hospitals in Reasi, Treyath, and Jammu. Police confirmed ten deaths and stated that the 33 injured were receiving medical treatment.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi Mohita Sharma reported that the bus driver lost control of the vehicle due to the firing, resulting in the fall into the gorge. She also mentioned that the identities of the passengers, who were non-locals, had not yet been confirmed.
A joint operation headquarters comprising the police, Indian Army, and CRPF was established at the site, and a multi-dimensional operation was launched to locate the attackers, believed to be hiding in the upper reaches of Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had taken oath for his third term, directed that the injured receive the best possible medical care. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Cabinet Minister Amit Shah condemned the attack and emphasized that the terrorists would be brought to justice.
Opposition leaders also condemned the attack. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge both expressed their condolences and called for immediate assistance to the victims. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described the attack as "saddening" and a reflection of the "worrying security situation" in Jammu and Kashmir.
