In a tragic event, at least 10 individuals lost their lives this Sunday following a terror attack on a bus in Jammu and Kashmir. The bus, filled with pilgrims, was targeted while en route from the sacred Shiv Khori temple back to Katra town, located in the Poni region of Reasi district.

Initial investigations suggest that the assault was carried out by gunmen who ambushed the bus as it was transporting devotees. The pilgrims were returning from a visit to the Shiv Khori temple, a renowned spiritual site.

In a statement to the press, Senior Superintendent of Police for Reasi, Mohita Sharma, confirmed the casualties from the attack. "Nine pilgrims were killed and 33 injured," Sharma reported, highlighting the severity of the incident which has shocked the local community and the nation at large.

The area has been cordoned off by security forces, and an extensive search operation is underway to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act. The attack has not only resulted in loss of life but has also raised concerns over security in regions frequented by pilgrims and tourists.

Following the tragic attack on the pilgrims' bus, the vehicle lost control and veered off the road, plunging into a nearby gorge. This catastrophic event prompted an immediate response from emergency services. Rescue and relief operations were swiftly initiated, with personnel from the army, police, and paramilitary forces rushing to the scene to assist the injured and recover the deceased.

In response to this violent incident, heightened security measures have been implemented across the region. In Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor area, thorough checks of vehicles are now being conducted to prevent further attacks and to enhance the safety of the residents and visitors alike.

At the scene of the attack, investigators have found evidence of the assault's ferocity. Empty cartridges were discovered scattered around the area, indicating the scale of the gunfire. According to sources, "Islamic terrorists fired 60 rounds at the bus." This substantial amount of gunfire has raised alarms about the level of planning and the intent behind this act of terrorism, pointing to a deliberate attempt to inflict maximum harm.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Reasi, Mohita Sharma, provided a detailed account of the circumstances leading to the tragic incident. According to SSP Sharma, the terrorists had apparently anticipated the arrival of the bus. The attack caused the driver to lose control, leading to the bus's catastrophic plunge into a gorge.

"Initial reports suggest that terrorists fired upon the passenger bus going from Shiv Khori to Katra. Due to the firing, the bus driver lost balance of the bus and it fell into gorge. 33 people were injured in the incident. Rescue operation has been completed. The identities of the passengers have not been confirmed yet, they are not locals. Shiv Khori shrine was secured and area domination was done," said SSP Sharma, emphasizing the swift response and the ongoing efforts to secure the area.

Further investigations revealed that the victims were primarily pilgrims and, notably, they were not from the local area. SSP Sharma mentioned that, based on initial assessments, most of the pilgrims affected by this tragic event might be from Uttar Pradesh.

The tragedy in Jammu and Kashmir has been officially confirmed by Vishesh Mahajan, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Reasi, who reported the severe consequences of the terrorist attack. In a sorrowful update, he stated, "10 people died as a bus rolled down a gorge in Jammu & Kashmir’s Reasi." This statement came shortly after the horrifying incident which saw the bus carrying pilgrims being targeted by terrorists, resulting in a fatal crash.

While the country was focused on a significant political event, the terror attack unfolded under the shadow of a national ceremony. The news of the attack coincided with the swearing-in of ministers in the third Modi government at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi, contrasting sharply with the celebratory atmosphere in the capital.

In response to this critical situation, a joint operational headquarters involving the police, the Indian Army, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was promptly established at the site of the incident. A comprehensive and multi-dimensional operation was initiated to track down and apprehend the attackers. According to security sources, the terrorists responsible for this heinous act are believed to be hiding in the upper reaches of the Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi districts, prompting an extensive manhunt in these challenging terrains.

In the aftermath of the violent incident in Jammu and Kashmir, the identities of those aboard the targeted bus are still to be confirmed, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty and concern. "The identities of the passengers have not been confirmed yet, they are not locals. Shiv Khori shrine was secured and area domination was done," a key official noted, emphasizing the security measures implemented swiftly after the event.

The response from political leaders has been one of strong condemnation. Former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad voiced his outrage over the event. "Strongly condemn the militant attack on the pilgrim bus in Ransoo, Reasi. The bus driver lost control, resulting in a fall into the gorge, with 9 feared dead and many injured. This inhumane act deserves the strongest condemnation. Prayers for the injured and condolences to the families who lost their loved ones!," said Azad, reflecting the national grief and demand for justice.

Omar Abdullah from the National Conference also expressed his stern disapproval and concern for the victims. He "unequivocally" condemned the attack and extended his wishes for a quick recovery to those injured, further emphasizing the collective desire for swift healing and resolution in the region.

JKNC President Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah have issued a strong condemnation of the recent attack in Reasi, emphasizing the disruption it causes to peace efforts in the region. They stressed the importance of community unity and support for peace initiatives during these difficult times, while also offering their condolences to the bereaved families, underscoring their compassion for those affected by this tragedy.

On social media, the Vice President shared his distress over the incident, stating, "Terrible news from Reasi in J&K where 10 yatris have reportedly lost their lives and many more are injured after a terror attack on a bus. I unequivocally condemn this attack. It is unfortunate to see areas that had previously been cleared of all militants see a return of militancy. May the deceased rest in peace and may the injured make a swift recovery."

In response to the tragic incident in Reasi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has voiced his condemnation and called for prompt governmental action. He emphasized the need for immediate assistance and compensation for those affected by the attack, highlighting the urgency of support for the victims and their families during this difficult time.

Kharge also took a critical stance against the newly inaugurated NDA government, linking its rise to office with an increase in terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed strong disapproval of the current administration's handling of the security situation, urging more effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future. This critique comes at a poignant moment, as the government faces scrutiny over its approach to maintaining peace and safety in volatile regions.