The incident occurred in Teryath village in the Poni area, where the bus, filled with devotees, was attacked, according to initial reports from local authorities.
The terrorists opened fire at the 53-seater bus, enroute to Katra. It veered off the road and fell into a deep gorge. The incident took place around 6.15 pm.
Rescue operation
An Army helicopter was brought in to conduct a search operation in Reasi following the attack.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi, Mohita Sharma, was quoted as saying, “It is a very unfortunate incident. Initially, what we received in reports suggested that the bus came under a terrorist attack after they opened fire at the passenger bus.”
“The bus had been arriving from the Shivkhori shrine and was on its way to Katra. After the terrorist firing, the bus driver lost control and the bus fell into a gorge,” said the SSP.
In response to the emergency, a rescue operation was promptly initiated, with reinforcements from the police, army, and paramilitary forces rushing to the scene. The combined efforts aim to assist survivors and recover the injured from the difficult terrain.
The official said, “Rescue operations are complete. They (injured) were immediately referred to Naraina and Reasi District hospitals. The passengers were not locals. Their identities were not clear but from initial reports, they belonged to UP.”
Helpline nubmer issued
In response to the tragic incident, a round-the-clock helpline has been established by the District Administration to provide information and assistance to those affected by the accident at Kanda, Ransoo, Reasi.
For any information or assistance, the following numbers may be contacted:
- District Emergency Control Room: 01991-245639
- PCR Reasi: 01991-245076
- PCR Jammu: 0191-2542000
- Additional Contact: 9419839557
PM Modi takes stock of situation, Prez condoles deaths
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha took to X and 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. Hon’ble PM has also directed that all the injured are provided the best possible medical care & assistance.”
Condoling deaths in the J&K terror attack, President Murmu said, “I am deeply distressed to learn of a bus accident in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir in which a number of pilgrims have died. My condolences to the families of the victims. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Other ministers react
Union minister Amit Shah said those involved in the dastardly terror attack on pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi will not be spared and will face the wrath of the law.
Soon after taking oath as Union minister for the second time on Sunday, Shah said he had spoken to Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha and DGP R R Swain and took stock of the situation arising after the terror attack that has claimed nine lives so far.
“Deeply pained by the incident of the attack on pilgrims in Reasi, J&K. Spoke to the Lieutenant Governor and the DGP, J&K, and inquired about the incident. The culprits of this dastardly attack will not be spared and will face the wrath of the law,” he wrote on ‘X’.
Shah was the Union home minister in the outgoing government while the portfolios of the new government are yet to be allocated. However, it is likely that he may continue as the Home Minister in this government also.
Shah said the local administration is working on a war footing to provide immediate medical attention.
“May the Almighty give the loved ones of the deceased the strength to bear this pain. I also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.
Reacting to the incident, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the attack. “The cowardly terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori temple in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir is extremely saddening,” Gandhi wrote in Hindi on X. “This shameful incident is the true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. The entire country stands united against terrorism,” he added.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also expressed his deepest condolences to the families after nine people were feared dead and as many as 33 injured when a passenger bus came under a terrorist attack in the Reasi district.
In a post on X, Mehbooba Mufti said, “Shocking news coming from Reasi where nine people were killed in a bus accident reportedly caused by militants firing at the vehicle. My deepest condolences to the families & their loved ones”.
Authorities are working to gather more information about the attack and the current status of those on the bus.
The attack marks a significant escalation in violence in the region. Reasi district has been relatively untouched by terrorist activities compared to neighbouring areas such as Rajouri and Poonch.
(With inputs from agencies)
