Terror attack in Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir, results in deaths of Hindu pilgrims

In a heart-wrenching incident late this evening in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims to the Shiv Khori cave temple was attacked by terrorists, leading to a catastrophic crash into a gorge. The attack resulted in the death of nine individuals and injuries to 33 others, marking a significant escalation in the region’s violence.

Details of the Attack

The bus, en route to the sacred Shiv Khori cave temple, came under terrorist gunfire, causing the driver to lose control and the vehicle to plummet into a nearby gorge. Vishesh Mahajan, the District Magistrate of Reasi, confirmed the fatalities and injuries. Reasi’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Mohita Sharma, detailed the sequence of events to news agency ANI, stating, “Initial reports suggest that terrorists fired upon the passenger bus… Due to the firing, the bus driver lost balance of the bus and it fell into the gorge.”

Rescue and Response

Following the incident, a full-scale rescue operation was launched, which has since been completed. Visuals from the scene displayed the grim aftermath, with bodies scattered across the hillside and the heavily damaged bus. Local civilians were reported to be aiding in the rescue efforts alongside police, army, and paramilitary forces, underscoring the community’s shock and immediate response to the tragedy.

Regional Impact and Security Measures

This attack represents a notable increase in terrorist activities in Reasi, a district that has been relatively peaceful compared to its neighbors, Rajouri and Poonch. The incident has prompted heightened security measures in the area, with a focus on securing the Shiv Khori shrine and maintaining a dominant presence to prevent further incidents.

This tragic event not only highlights the persistent security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir but also the human cost of such conflicts. The targeting of pilgrims, a non-combatant group, particularly underscores the brutality of the attackers and the profound impact on local communities and the broader region.