"Terrorist Attack on Pilgrims’ Bus in J&K's Reasi: 9 Dead, 33 Injured"

The bus, transporting pilgrims bound for the Shivkhori temple, was attacked in Teryath village, located in the Poni area.

SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma reported that a tragic incident occurred on Sunday, resulting in the loss of nine lives and leaving 33 individuals injured. The incident took place in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, as a bus transporting pilgrims to Shivkhori fell victim to a terrorist attack. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Police statement, the attack took place around 6:10 PM in the Pouni area of Reasi district, bordering Rajouri district. The assailants, suspected terrorists, employed firearms in targeting the bus carrying yatris from Shiv Khori to Katra.

The driver was struck, causing loss of control, leading the bus to slide into the adjacent gorge. With assistance from nearby villagers, the police successfully evacuated all passengers by 8:10 PM. SP Reasi oversaw the evacuation efforts and arranged for the injured to be transported to various hospitals, stated the police.

A temporary joint security force headquarters comprising personnel from the Police, Army, and CRPF has been established at the location, initiating a comprehensive operation to apprehend the assailants.

A swift rescue mission was initiated, with additional support deployed from police, army, and paramilitary units arriving promptly at the scene.

The attack signals a notable surge in violence within the region. Reasi district, while previously less affected by terrorist activities compared to neighboring regions like Rajouri and Poonch, is now confronted with heightened tensions.

This incident follows closely on the heels of a tragic accident days ago, where 22 pilgrims, including nine women and two children, lost their lives, and 57 others sustained injuries after a bus from UP's Hathras veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Akhnoor.

Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the bus accident in Akhnoor. My heart goes out to all those who have lost their dear ones. Sending prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Prime Minister's office has announced compensation of Rs. 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. Last November, a similar heartbreaking incident claimed the lives of 39 passengers and left 17 others injured in the Doda district, when a bus veered off a mountain road and plunged 300 feet down onto another road.

The police reported that a private bus, with 56 passengers and the driver on board, departed Kishtwar at approximately 8:20 am on November 16th, bound for Jammu, a journey expected to take around five hours. Unfortunately, at 11:50 am, the driver lost control of the bus in the Assar area of Doda.

According to authorities, the incident occurred at Trungal in Assar along National Highway 244 (NH244), linking Khanabal in Anantnag district to Batote in Ramban.