Terrorists fire at bus carrying pilgrims, 9 killed 33 injured, massive hunt for terrorists on

Terrorists ambushed and opened fire at a bus carrying pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Sunday evening.

The bus was returning from Shiv Khori shrine en route to Katra, the base camp of Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The terrorists, hiding in the nearby forest, ambushed the vehicle and opened fire. The driver of the bus was hit by a bullet and lost balance, causing the vehicle to roll down the gorge.

Nine people were killed and 33 more injured in the attack. A massive search operation has been launched to trace the terrorists. According to sources, National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been tasked with the probe into the attack by the home ministry.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi Mohita Sharma said due to the firing, the driver lost balance and the bus fell into a gorge. She added the passengers were non-locals and there identities were not yet confirmed.

SSP Sharma also said that the rescue operation has been completed. With the help of locals present at the accident spot, the police evacuated all passengers by 8:10 pm. The 33 injured were referred to various hospitals in Reasi, Treyath and Jammu. 

A joint operation headquarters of the police, Indian Army and CRPF was set up at the site and a multi-dimensional operation was launched to get the attackers. Terrorists involved in this cowardly attack are believed to be hiding in the upper reaches of Rajouri, Reasi and Poonch, as per sources.