Suspected militants targeted a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in India’s Jammu and Kashmir territory, resulting in the deaths of nine people and injuries to 33 others, according to police officials.
The incident, initially reported with a death toll of 10, occurred in the Reasi district of Jammu.
Officials stated that the driver lost control of the bus after the attack, causing it to plunge into a gorge.
While rescue operations have concluded, the Indian army and police are conducting a search operation to apprehend the attackers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken note of the situation and called for the best medical care for the injured.
Manoj Sinha, the region’s top administrator, vowed that “all those behind this heinous act will be punished soon” and announced compensation for the victims’ families.
The bus was en route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine when it came under fire.
Although no group has claimed responsibility, district police chief Mohita Sharma described the attackers as suspected militants who ambushed the bus.
The Kashmir region has long been a source of tension between India and Pakistan, with both nations claiming full control.
Armed insurgency against Indian rule in the region has been ongoing since 1989, leading to thousands of casualties.
The attack coincided with Narendra Modi’s third consecutive term oath-taking ceremony as India’s prime minister.
The victims, including the bus driver, hailed from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan states. Survivors recounted harrowing details to ANI news agency, with one noting that the firing continued even after the bus fell into the gorge.
Political figures expressed grief and condemnation, with Home Minister Amit Shah promising severe consequences for the perpetrators.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi highlighted the security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, citing the incident as a grim reflection of the region’s situation.
Source-BBC
