Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district was shaken on Sunday evening by a brutal terror attack that resulted in the deaths of nine civilians and injuries to 33 others. The assault, carried out by three foreign terrorists, occurred on the same day Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in for a third consecutive term, according to sources.
The attack targeted a civilian bus carrying 53 people to the Shiv Khori cave temple. The bus veered off the road and fell into a gorge near Teryath village after the initial barrage of gunfire. The terrorists were reportedly armed with M4 carbines, American-made assault rifles used by militaries worldwide, including Pakistani special forces and the Sindh Police’s Special Security Unit.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that at least two terrorists are currently hiding in the forested upper reaches of the Reasi region, making it difficult for security forces to access and search the area. A massive search operation is underway to locate them.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and stated that Prime Minister Modi is personally monitoring the situation. “The guilty will not be spared,” he said. “I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on a bus in Reasi. My condolences to the family members of the martyred civilians. Our security forces and police have launched a joint operation to hunt down the terrorists.”
Disturbing visuals from the scene showed scattered bodies and the damaged bus, highlighting the horrific nature of the attack. The incident has set alarm bells ringing at the highest levels of India’s intelligence services, given its timing and the involvement of foreign terrorists.
President Droupadi Murmu and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed their deep sorrow over the attack. Shah, who was recently sworn in as a cabinet minister in Modi’s new government, vowed that the culprits would face the full wrath of the law.
Opposition leaders also condemned the attack. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi labeled it a “cowardly attack” and criticized the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. His sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, called terrorism a violent act against humanity.
The Reasi district, relatively untouched by terrorist activities compared to neighboring Rajouri and Poonch, now faces a significant escalation in violence. The attack underscores the persistent threat of terrorism in the region and the challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace and order.
Sources By Agencies
