Terrorists attack pilgrims in Jammu's Reasi, manhunt on

Jammu : In a suspected terrorist strike, 9 people have been killed and other 42 have been injured after the bus fell into a gorge in an escape attempt. The police has formed 11 teams and launched manhunt to nab the suspected men, who are believed to be from Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The bus was carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori temple to Katra, when a group of suspected terrorists open fired on the bus at around 06:10 pm in Teryath village in Reasi on Sunday evening. The driver tried to escape the attack and lost control over the steering leading the bus to fall in a gorge nearby.

It has been learned that the officials are using drones and quadcopters to find the attackers, who can be hiding in the nearby forests.

In a media report, a senior police official was quoted saying that as per initial investigations it is found that there should be two-three men involved in the attack. The locals have been questioned to identify the men.

The event has also drawn national attention as many social media users are posting demands of strict action against the culprits.

The Reasi area of Jammu has been peaceful for two decades, but officials said it is used as a transit point by terrorists after crossing the Line of Control from Poonch and Rajouri to reach the Kashmir Valley.

HE Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and said the those who are involved in the attack will not be spared. He also went to meet the injured passengers. HE Sinha also approved an ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh each for the next of kin of pilgrims and “ ₹50,000 each for those injured.