Jammu and Kashmir: Ten pilgrims dead in Reasi terror attack. PM Modi Acts | Latest Updates

On Sunday (June 9), militants opened fire on a bus carrying pilgrims from the Shiv Khori cave temple to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, Jammu, killing at least 10 people, including a child. Several others were injured.

The 53-seater bus was assaulted by terrorists in Reasi, leading it to deviate from the road and plunge into a deep valley around 6:15 p.m. on Sunday.

According to Reasi SSP Mohita Sharma, "a group of militants attacked a yatri bus coming from the Ransoo area of district Reasi." The attack caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which crashed into a deep gorge in Pouni's Kanda region. The disaster claimed the lives of nine persons and injured another 33.

This suspected terrorist attack on the tourist bus recalls a similar occurrence on July 10, 2017, when a bus transporting Amarnath pilgrims from Gujarat was targeted in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite intense gunfire, the driver, Sheikh Saleem Gafoor, rescued 52 passengers, but seven pilgrims were killed and 19 injured.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, and Ghulam Nabi Azad all condemned the event and conveyed their condolences.

Here are the latest updates on the Reasi terrorist attack:

1) President Murmu described the incident as a "crime against humanity" and demanded strong condemnation. "I am deeply disturbed by the terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. This heinous act is a crime against humanity that must be condemned in the greatest terms. The nation stands with the victims' families. "I pray for the injured's speedy recovery," she wrote on Twitter.

2) Prime Minister Modi directed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to monitor the situation and provide all necessary assistance to the affected families. "The Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took stock of the situation and directed me to constantly monitor the situation and to ensure all possible assistance to the families," Sinha wrote in a post to X. The LG added that security forces have initiated a coordinated effort to track down the terrorists, and those responsible for the terrorist attack will be punished quickly.

3) Reasi SSP Sharma acknowledged the start of a rescue operation, and injured pilgrims were evacuated to local hospitals. The identity of the dead and injured have yet to be confirmed, although early indications suggest they are from Uttar Pradesh.

4) Upon taking office as Union Minister, Amit Shah condemned the attack and stated that those involved will face harsh consequences. Shah said he had met with LG Sinha and DGP RR Swain to take stock of the situation.

5) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee demanded an investigation into the tragedy, expressing sadness over the killings and condolences to the deceased' families. "I learned that there was an attack on some pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in nine deaths. The situation should be explored quickly. "I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims' families," she stated.

6) Kangana Ranaut, a first-time BJP MP, also condemned the incident, praying for the murdered and wishing the injured a speedy recovery. "I strongly condemn the heinous terrorist assault against pilgrims in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir. I pray for the departed and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured."

7) Meanwhile, the opposition assailed the BJP while condemning the attack. Rahul Gandhi, a Congress member, tweeted, "...This shameful incident is the true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir."

8) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated, "We absolutely condemn this heinous terror attack against our people and deliberate disrespect to our national defense...That Modi (now NDA) government's chest-thumping narrative of establishing peace and normalcy rings hollow.

9) A joint operation headquarters, consisting of the J&K police, the Indian Army, and the CRPF, was created at the site to start a comprehensive operation against the assailants, who are thought to be hiding in the higher reaches of Rajouri, Reasi, and Poonch.

10) One witness described how the bus was hit by 25 to 30 gunfire before falling into the gorge. Another witness saw a masked man in a red muffler shooting at the bus.

11) The SSP reported that the Shiv Khori temple region is on high alert, with frequent area dominance patrols and firing practice for Village Defence Guards.

12) Several rallies sprang out across the Jammu division, especially Reasi, demanding stern action against the terrorists. [With input from agencies]

source: www.business-standard.com