On June 9th, a terrorist attack on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims from Shiv Khori in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district resulted in the tragic deaths of 10 pilgrims and left 33 severely injured. Survivors recounted the harrowing ordeal, revealing that the terrorists continued firing even after the bus plunged into a gorge, attempting to ensure no one survived. In a bid to save their lives, the passengers pretended to be dead, remaining silent amid the chaos. The attack intensified when a bullet struck the bus driver, causing him to lose control and resulting in the fatal crash.
The damaged bus, after it plunged into a gorge following an ambush by terrorists in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday evening. At least 9 people were killed and 33 others suffered injuries, according to officials. (PTI)
Eyewitness’ Comments
“As we returned after darshan from the Shiv Khori Temple, after around half an hour, there was firing on the bus and the windows were broken. Everyone on the bus started asking to get down, so we could not see what happened. After a few seconds, our bus fell into the gorge. Even then the terrorists continued firing for some time…” an eyewitness said.
Another survivor Santosh Kumar Verma, a UP resident narrated the terrifying sequence of events of the attack and said, “We were returning after having darshan at Shiv Khori shrine…one terrorist came in the middle of the road and opened fire on the bus. The terrorist fired bullets at the bus driver first and continued firing on the bus…as the bus fell in the gorge, the terrorists continued firing for some time.”
“As people started weeping and screaming, we asked the passengers to stay silent as there could be more firing. As I was sitting in front, I saw only one terrorist… amidst heavy firing, I could not see where the bullets were coming from. There were around 50 people on the bus. The terrorists fired 5-6 bullets and they continued firing intermittently for about an hour. For around half an hour no one came to our rescue. Later, some locals and the police saved us,” he said.
Speaking to IndiaToday, another eyewitness said, “There were 6 to 7 terrorists, their faces were covered with masks. Initially, they fired on the bus by covering it from all sides of the road. When the bus fell, they came towards it and kept firing to ensure everyone was killed. We maintained silence to make the terrorists believe that we were dead. The incident happened 30 minutes after we took the bus for Vaishno Devi from Shiv Khori (Reasi) at 6 pm. We were afraid and just wanted to get back to our homes. There were kids and women also on the bus and all got injured. Police and locals arrived to rescue us after 10 to 15 mins of this attack…” he said.
Pakistan-backed Islamic terrorist group claim responsibility for the Reasi terror attack
The Pakistan-backed Islamic terrorist group, The Resistance Front (TRF), has claimed responsibility for the heinous attack on Hindu pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. In a chilling message, the TRF warned of further assaults targeting "tourists and non-locals," portraying the Reasi attack as just the "beginning of a renewed start." In response to the alarming threat, the Indian Army swiftly initiated a search operation in Reasi on Monday morning. Alongside the army's efforts, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has mobilized to the area, with drones deployed to scour dense forest regions surrounding the incident site.
J&K Administration Comments
“The militants fired upon the bus yesterday… 9 people are reportedly dead and 33 were injured and are being treated in different hospitals. As per eyewitnesses, 2 (terrorists) were there. Combing operation is underway in the area. 5 teams have been formed to search in the area,” SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma said.
As reported earlier, 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 in a post on X.
“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.
NIA Team, Additional Security and Drones
Following Sunday's terror attack, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team has been deployed to aid local authorities in the investigation. In response to the heightened threat, additional security measures have been implemented in the area, with security forces utilizing drones to scour for any potential terrorists. Reinforcements from various locations have been dispatched to bolster security, with forces stationed at nearby combat outposts of the Indian Army. Concurrently, a rigorous search operation is underway to track down the perpetrators of the attack. Earlier on Sunday, the injured were swiftly transported to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment. Immediate response from local authorities, including senior police officials and security forces, saw the area cordoned off and investigations initiated without delay.
L-G Announces RS 10 lakh ex-gratia
In a swift response to the tragic Reasi terror attack, the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) has sanctioned an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased pilgrims. Furthermore, he has approved an amount of Rs 50,000 each for those injured in the heinous incident.
“The injured will receive Rs. 50,000. The injured pilgrims are being treated at various hospitals in Jammu & Reasi,” stated the Office of the Lt. Governor.
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