The recent terrorist assault in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district has spurred increased security protocols following the revelation of the driver’s courageous actions. Additionally, an NIA team has arrived at the location to investigate the incident further.
A recent CCTV footage has surfaced, shedding light on the moments leading up to the tragic Reasi terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir. The footage provides crucial insights into the events preceding the devastating attack that resulted in the loss of 10 lives and left many others injured.
During the incident, a bus transporting pilgrims veered off the road and fell into a deep gorge following an assault by terrorists on Sunday. The attackers initiated gunfire at the bus while it was traveling from Shiv Khori temple to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine near Teryath village in Poni area. The bus tragically plunged into the gorge after the terrorist attack. This targeting of the bus by terrorists occurred as it was navigating a bend, mirroring a similar modus operandi observed in past attacks in Rajouri and Poonch.
Taking advantage of the slow pace of vehicles, the assailants unleashed random gunfire to cause the most harm possible before retreating into thick foliage, a common challenge in the Jammu region. The dense mountainous vegetation serves as a cover for the attackers, giving them an upper hand in escaping detection. The bus was specifically targeted by the terrorists as it approached a curve, a tactic previously seen in attacks in Rajouri and Poonch. This strategy involves terrorists exploiting the slow movement of a vehicle to initiate indiscriminate firing, allowing them to blend into the dense foliage, which poses a significant challenge in the Jammu area.
An NIA team has been sent to assist local authorities in probing the recent terror incident. Enhanced security measures have been implemented in the region, with security forces employing drones to locate the terrorists. Military personnel have been stationed at adjacent combat outposts of the Indian Army to bolster security.
Troops were mobilized from diverse points to strengthen security protocols. Presently, an extensive search mission is in progress to locate the terrorists. In the initial hours of Sunday, the wounded individuals were expeditiously taken to nearby healthcare centers for urgent medical attention. Local officials, including senior police personnel and security forces, swiftly reacted to the incident site, securing the area and commencing inquiries.
On Sunday, Mohammad Bhat, the DIG of Reasi Udhampur range, along with Rayees, arrived at the scene. Prior to this, SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma mentioned that preliminary findings indicated that terrorists opened fire on a passenger bus traveling from Shiv Khori to Katra.
As a result of the gunfire, the bus driver lost control, leading the bus to plunge into a gorge. 33 individuals sustained injuries during the event. The rescue mission has been successfully concluded. The identities of the passengers, who are not from the area, have yet to be verified. Security measures were implemented to safeguard the Shiv Khori shrine, and the surrounding region was thoroughly secured.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assessed the situation and urged the Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to oversee it continuously. Speaking to X, the J&K LG affirmed that those responsible for this atrocious act will face swift justice. He further stated, “The Hon’ble PM has instructed that all the injured receive top-notch medical treatment and support.”
The Lt. Governor’s Office of J&K declared a compensation of Rs. 10 lakh for the families of pilgrims who lost their lives in the Reasi terror incident. “Those injured will be granted Rs. 50,000. The injured pilgrims are currently receiving medical care at different hospitals in Jammu & Reasi,” the Lt. Governor’s Office announced.
