Terrorists open fire: Bus falls into gorge, killing 9 in J&K

Jammu: In Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, terrorists reportedly opened fire at a bus carrying pilgrims on Sunday evening, killing nine people and injuring 33. Once the attack started, a 53-seater bus veered off the road and fell into a deep gorge.

The bus was en route from Shiv Khori temple to Katra, and the incident took place around 6.15 pm near Teryath village in the Poni area.

"Nine pilgrims were killed and 33 injured," Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi, Mohita Sharma told reporters.

The attack marks a significant escalation in violence in the region. Reasi district has been relatively untouched by terrorist activities compared to neighbouring areas such as Rajouri and Poonch.

The Congress on Sunday condemned the gruesome terror attack on the bus and said the incident reflects the true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "Even while PM, Shri Narendra Modi and his NDA Government get sworn in, and heads of several countries are in the country, a dastardly terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims has resulted in the loss of lives of at least 10 Indians."

"We unequivocally condemn this gruesome terror attack on our people and deliberate affront to our National Security," he said in a post on X.

The Congress president said just three weeks ago, tourists were fired upon in Pahalgam, and several terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir are continuing unabated.

"All the chest-thumping propaganda of bringing peace and normalcy by the Modi (now NDA) Government rings hollow. India stands united against terrorism," Kharge said.

"Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims wish and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Government and authorities should provide immediate assistance and compensation to the victims," he said.