Unidentified gunmen attacked a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in the Reasi district of Indian-administered Kashmir on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of 10 individuals and injuries to 33 others. The attack coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony for his third term in New Delhi.
The pilgrims were returning from the Shivkhori shrine to Katra when the assailants opened fire on their bus. The barrage of bullets caused the driver to lose control, sending the bus tumbling into a ravine. The steep drop exacerbated the casualties, leading to the tragic loss of lives and numerous injuries.
Local police and rescue teams, aided by nearby villagers, promptly arrived at the scene. By 8:10 PM, all passengers had been evacuated from the ravine. The injured were swiftly transported to various hospitals, where they are receiving medical treatment.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos and panic that ensued following the attack. “It was a horrifying scene,” said one villager who assisted in the rescue operations. “People were crying for help, and we did our best to get them to safety.”
In response to the attack, Indian security forces have launched a joint operation to track down the perpetrators. The incident has heightened security concerns in the already volatile region, where tensions between different communities and insurgent groups have frequently led to violence.
Local authorities have condemned the attack, calling for unity and resilience in the face of such senseless violence. “This is a cowardly act meant to create fear and division,” said a senior police official. “We will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice.”
