The Indian Army initiated a search operation in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday morning subsequent to an assault on a bus traveling from Shiv Khori, resulting in the demise of ten pilgrims on Sunday evening.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been deployed to Reasi, and drones are being utilized to comb through dense forest regions in the vicinity of the incident site. Reasi District Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan confirmed late Sunday that the terrorist attack claimed the lives of at least ten individuals, with an additional 33 sustaining injuries.
As per authorities, terrorists targeted the bus travelling from the Shiv Khori shrine to Katra at approximately 06:10 pm as it approached the Pouni area within the Reasi district, adjacent to the Rajouri district. “The terrorists initiated gunfire, leading the driver to lose control, resulting in the bus veering off into a gorge,” stated Mohita Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Reasi, during an interview with ANI.
The SSP further said that the rescue operations are complete and the injured have been taken to Naraina and Reasi District hospitals. “The identities of the passengers were not confirmed. Initial reports suggest they belong to Uttar Pradesh,” he added.
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and assured action against those behind it. “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 JKP have launched a joint operation to hunt down the terrorists,” the LG said.
“PM Narendra Modi Ji took stock of the situation and has asked me to constantly monitor the situation. All those behind this heinous act will be punished soon. PM has also directed that all the injured are provided the best possible medical care & assistance,” the J-K LG added.
Defence Expert Hemant Mahajan said, “We have invited dignitaries from all the neighbourhood countries except Pakistan for today’s swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi and the council of ministers. If this attack occurs at this moment, its objective is very clear.”
“If you see, tourism has increased in Kashmir, which gives opportunities to the residents to do their business and get jobs. Such terrorist attacks will damage everything,” he said.
“Amarnath Yatra is going to start and that goes through the route on which the attack took place… Security forces led by the Indian Army should take offensive actions to either capture or kill those who are involved in these attacks,” he added.