“Second major bus accident involving pilgrims in 11 days in Reasi”
JAMMU: In a tragic turn of events, a bus carrying non-Jammu and Kashmir pilgrims from Shiv Khori temple in Reasi district plunged into a deep gorge on Sunday evening, following what is suspected to be a militant attack.
The horrifying incident has resulted in the deaths of nine people, with 33 others injured.
A video of the rescue operations after the bus accident was posted on social media platform by some unknown person and shared by many users on X.
The incident occurred around 6.15 PM near village Teryath of Pouni area.
According to initial reports, the 42-seater bus, travelling from the Shiv Khori temple to Katra, came under fire from suspected militants.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi, Mohita Sharma, reported that the attackers fired multiple rounds at the bus, striking the driver and causing him to lose control. The vehicle subsequently veered off the road and tumbled into a steep gorge.
Immediate and large-scale rescue operations were launched, involving police, army, and paramilitary forces. The injured passengers were quickly transported to the district hospital in Reasi for medical treatment. Security measures were intensified to ensure the safety of other pilgrims, with the Shiv Khori shrine being thoroughly secured.
Confirming the gravity of the situation, DC Reasi Vishesh Mahajan initially reported that ten individuals had lost their lives.
SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma added details about the victims, stating, “This is an unfortunate incident in which nine persons are feared dead and 33 others injured. Prima facie it looks like terrorists were waiting for the bus and attacked it on the highway. The driver of the bus was hit by a bullet after which the bus rolled down into the gorge.”
Otherwise peaceful region
The tragic attack signifies a worrying escalation in violence in the region, which has not seen only a few such incidents since the early 1990s.
Unlike neighbouring areas such as Rajouri and Poonch, Reasi district has largely remained untouched by militant activities. The targeting of a bus carrying pilgrims at the time when new government was taking oath in New Delhi underscores the heightened threat by some elements aiming to destabilize the region.
Local residents recounted hearing nearly 50 shots fired in the forest area.
Disturbing photographs circulating on social media depict the harrowing aftermath, with bodies scattered across the forest floor. One photograph shows rescue efforts with survivors waiting on the roadside.
The bus, identified as JK02E-3485, was a 42-seater routinely plying between Shiv Khori and Katra. This tragic incident marks the first time it encountered such violence, with the bus falling into a 150 to 200-foot-deep gorge. Security forces have launched an operation to locate the attackers.
Wide-spread condemnations
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated, “Even while PM, Shri Narendra Modi and his NDA Government get sworn-in and heads of several countries are in the country, a dastardly terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims has resulted in the loss of lives of at least 10 Indians. We unequivocally condemn this gruesome terror attack on our people and deliberate affront to our National Security.”
Kharge highlighted recent incidents of violence, noting, “Just three weeks ago, tourists were fired upon in Pahalgam, and several terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir are continuing unabated. All the chest-thumping propaganda of bringing peace and normalcy by the Modi (now NDA) Government rings hollow. India stands united against terrorism. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Government and authorities should provide immediate assistance and compensation to the victims.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi echoed these sentiments, calling the attack “extremely saddening” and a “shameful incident” that reflects the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. In a post on X, Gandhi stated, “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.”
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah expressed outrage at the violent act. They stressed the need for unity among all communities during these challenging times and offered their condolences to the victims and their families.
Omar Abdullah posted on his Facebook wall, “Terrible news from Reasi in J&K where 10 yatris have reportedly lost their lives & many more are injured after a terror attack on a bus. I unequivocally condemn this attack. It is unfortunate to see areas that had previously been cleared of all militants see a return of militancy. May the deceased rest in peace & may the injured make a swift recovery.”
As the investigation continues and security forces work to locate the attackers, the region remains on high alert, with additional measures being taken to prevent further incidents. The tragic loss of lives has cast a shadow over the area, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining security and peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Union Minister Amit Shah says, “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. 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.”
Operation to hunt terrorists launched: J&K L-G
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the terror attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi district on Sunday, killing at least 9 pilgrims and injuring many.
In a post on X, LG Sinha said that the security forces have launched a joint operation to hunt down the terrorists.
“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,” he said.
He added that PM Modi took stock of the situation and has asked him 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 LG said.
Tough measures needed for peace: Swain
Only Saturday, Director General of Police R R Swain said, “Law enforcing agencies have to act tough against some unscrupulous elements to ensure that the atmosphere of peace in Jammu and Kashmir is not disturbed.”
“When there will be peace, elections can take place and, when there is no fear, then only people can vote without fear. That’s the atmosphere we want to maintain. Sometimes, we have to face brickbats as well (while doing so),” Swain told reporters after holding a public darbar in Pulwama district.
“To ensure that the streets remain peaceful, please accept that we have to be tough against some people. Police, by definition, is law enforcement,” he added.
Swain said everyone was satisfied that the recent Lok Sabha elections were held peacefully and witnessed a high voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir.
“There are 70 to 80 foreign terrorists who have come in. They have been trying to come here regularly and, when they do come, they bring along guns and IEDs. Sometime back, they tried to blow up electric poles. They don’t come with money, schools or hospitals,” the police chief said.
There are a few locals who shelter them and take them from one place to another, Swain said. “We have to act against them so that others remain safe.”
Second accident in 10 days
Only ten days back, a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims skidded and rolled into a deep gorge on a mountainous highway near Akhnoor, killing at least 21 people, and leaving 35 others injured on May 30, 2024.
Officials at that time said that 35 passengers injured in the accident and some of them were in serious condition.
The crash happened in the Jammu region when the bus plunged 150 feet (45.7 meters) into the gorge. The cause of the bus crash was being investigated.
The bus from Uttar Pradesh was carrying pilgrims to the Shiv Khori temple in the Reasi area of Jammu from some parts of Haryana.
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