In a tragic incident on Sunday evening, a bus carrying pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine plunged into a deep gorge in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir after a suspected terrorist attack, resulting in the death of at least 10 people and injuries to nearly three dozen others.
The bus, carrying pilgrims on their way to the Shive Khori Temple, the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, came under attack in Teryath village in the Poni area at around 6:10 pm. Terrorists opened fire at the bus, injuring the driver who lost control of the vehicle, causing it to plunge into the gorge.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi, Mohita Sharma confirmed that 10 pilgrims were killed and 33 were injured in the attack. The bullet hit the driver of the bus after which he lost control and fell into the gorge.
Rescue Operation and Reactions
A massive rescue operation was immediately launched, with security forces and medical teams dispatched to the site to assist the injured and recover the deceased. The reinforcements worked tirelessly to ensure all the injured received timely medical attention and to secure the area.
Prime Minister Narendra Modu called Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and took stock of the situation, directing him to constantly monitor the situation and ensure all possible assistance to the families. The Prime Minister also directed that all the injured be provided the best possible medical care and assistance.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah also condemned the attack, with Shah saying the culprits will not be spared and will face the wrath of the law. The local administration is working on a war footing to provide immediate medical attention.
Ongoing Investigation and Security Measures
The Reasi district administration has created a round-the-clock helpline for getting any information and assistance about the victims of the tragic bus accident. Security forces have launched a joint operation to hunt down the terrorists, with an Army helicopter brought in to conduct a search operation in Reasi.
According to sources, the terrorists are believed to be hiding in the upper reaches of Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi. Police teams rushed to the spot after getting information about the attack, and security forces launched an investigation of the site.
The Shiv Khori shrine was secured and area domination was done following the attack. SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma said the identities of the passengers have not been confirmed yet, as they are not locals.
Condemnation and Condolences
The Congress party expressed its condolences to the grief-stricken families, calling the attack “cowardly” and “shameful”. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad also condemned the militant attack, saying the bus driver lost control, resulting in a fall into the gorge, with 9 feared dead and many injured.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and hoped for the speedy recovery of the injured. He called the incident “cowardly” and said it brings out the true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Conclusion
The tragic incident in Reasi district has once again highlighted the ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack on pilgrims, who were on their way to a holy shrine, has been widely condemned by political leaders and the public alike.
The authorities have launched a massive operation to hunt down the terrorists responsible for the attack and provide assistance to the victims and their families. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for continued vigilance and efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.
As the investigation into the attack continues, it is crucial that the perpetrators are brought to justice and measures are taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The resilience and unity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir will be crucial in overcoming this tragedy and moving forward towards a more secure and peaceful future.