SRINAGAR:
In the face of a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Sunday, the driver of a bus carrying pilgrims showed remarkable courage when bullets started spraying in front of him, according to sources.
Despite being targeted by gunfire while traveling through Teryath village in the Poni area, the driver tried to steer the bus to safety. Dasanoo Rajbagh, who was behind the wheels, succumbed to the attackers’ bullets, leading the bus to veer off the road and plunge into a deep gorge. As many as nine people have been confirmed dead so far, including both the driver and the conductor.
A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team reached Reasi to help police and assess the ground situation. After Sunday’s attack, security has been heightened in the area, and security forces are now using drones to search for terrorists. After the Reasi attack, additional forces were deployed at nearby COBs of the Indian Army. Forces were dispatched from various locations to reinforce security measures. Currently, a search operation is underway.
On Sunday, prompt rescue operations were initiated, and the injured were swiftly transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Local authorities, including senior police officials and security forces, promptly responded to the scene, cordoning off the area and initiating investigations.
Earlier, SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma said, “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.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken stock of the situation and has asked the Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to constantly monitor it. Taking to X, the J&K LG said that those behind this heinous act will be punished soon. He added, “Hon’ble PM has also directed that all the injured are provided the best possible medical care & assistance,” he added.
