- Pilgrims seem to be from UP & were on their way to Vaishno Devi.
- Deeply pinned by the incident of attack on pilgrims. Culprits to face wrath of law: Amit Shah.
- Attack pilgrim’s bus in Reasi is extremely reprehensible: Rajnath Singh
Shyam Sood
Rajouri, June 9: On one hand Narendra Modi was taking oath of Prime Minister of India 3rd time with a vision to make India the third economy of the world and on the other hand under its nefarious design Pakistan sponsored terrorist attacked a pilgrim’s bus in Reasi district of J&K with their heinous motive to shatter the peace & prosperity of the developing India.
While briefing the reporters SSP Reasi, Mohita Sharma said: “Prima facie it looks that the terrorists were waiting for the pilgrim’s bus. They hit the driver first who lost balance and the bus rolled down into the gorge”.
“9 pilgrims seem to be from UP, who were on way to Katra (Vaishno Devi pilgrimage) from Shiv Khori Shiva temple, lost their precious lives in an unfortunate incident while 33 others injured are under treatment in District Hospital at Reasi and Narayana hospital Katra” she added.
SSP Reasi further said that the rescue operation has been completed. Identities of the killed & injured are being ascertained.
SSP further said that the police had already secured the Shiv Khori Shrine after inputs of possible terror attack.
Entire area has been cordoned by the additional forces, including Army and CRPF, after the terror incident to track and eliminate the terrorists involved.
Reliable sources said that the presence of a group of 2-3 terrorists was observed in Kotchalwal area in Rajouri district (adjoining to bus mishap site) a few days back.
Sources said that the hiding terrorists-reportedly used steel bullets like previous attack to cause heavy loss- hit the driver first of the 53-seater bus at Zhandi Morh in Kunda area under Pouni Police station (in Reasi district) on Rajouri-Reasi road at about of 6.30 pm.
Many empty bullets were also collected from the site which is a clear indication of a well-planned terror attack-another setback for the intelligence agencies after Rajouri & Poonch terror attacks.
Inhabitants of the area informed about gunshot sounds and later they rushed to the area where the bus fell in the deep gorge and started a rescue operation which was later joined by the police and central police forces.
It is pertinent to mention here that this is the fourth terror attack in Reasi district in 2024 after Rajouri-Poonch districts.
In April, militants killed the brother of an Army jawan and a Village Defence Group (VDG) member in separate attacks.
On May 4 terror attack on the Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy at the Sanai Top area in Poonch district one soldier attained martyrdom while four others were injured.
In 2023 four militant attacks in Rajouri and Poonch claimed the lives of 19 soldiers while around 30 terrorists were also neutralised by the SFs.
Home Minister Amit Shah in a post on ‘X’ said: “Deeply pained by the incident of the attack on pilgrims in Reasi. Spoke to the Lt Governor & DGP J&K and inquired about the incident. The culprits of this dastardly attack will not be spared & will face the wrath of law”.
Reacting to the unfortunate Reasi incident, Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh in a post on ‘X’ said: “The attack on the bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi, J & K is extremely reprehensible. My heart goes out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones in this heinous act against pilgrims. I also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured”.
“Strongly condemn militant attack on pilgrim bus in Ransoo, Reasi. The bus driver lost control, resulting in a fall into the gorge, with 9 feared dead and many injured. This inhumane act deserves strongest condemnation. Prayers for the injured and condolences to the families who lost their loved ones” wrote Ghulam Nabi Azad on ‘X’.
Ex DGP J&K Shesh Paul Vaid ‘X’ post read: “Terrorists attack and kill 9 Hindu pilgrims in Reasi district of J&K. 33 injured. On the eve of the oath ceremony of PM @Narendramodi’s 3rd term. You want to have dialogue with a terrorist state like Pakistan”.
Meanwhile, Farooq Inqlabi senior PDP leader from Budhal Rajouri has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the pilgrim’s bus and has extended solidarity with the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones, including women & children in this attack.
