10 pilgrims killed after terrorists open fire at bus carrying pilgrims falls into gorge in J&K

SRINAGAR: At least 10 people were killed and 33 others were injured after suspected terrorists fired upon a bus carrying pilgrims from a shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Sunday, police and officials said. The bus rolled down a gorge following the attack.

The incident occurred at 6:10 pm when the terrorists opened fire on the bus that was returning from Shiv Khori temple in Reasi to Katra, police said.

According to the information, the bus was returning from Shivkhori temple to Katra when the terrorists started firing on it. After the attack, the bus lost balance and fell into the ditch.

According to sources,about 50 people were in the bus. It is said that as soon as the bus reached the forest area, the terrorists who were lying in ambush started firing on the bus. The driver, frightened by the firing of the terrorists, lost control of the bus and the bus fell into the ditch.

SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma said that initial reports have revealed that terrorists fired on the passenger bus going from Shiv Khori to Katra. Due to  firing, the bus driver lost his balance and the bus fell into the ditch.

With the help of local villagers, police evacuated all the passengers by 8:10 pm. Superintendent of Police (SP) Reasi supervised the evacuation and rushed the injured to different hospitals. Police said ten deaths have been confirmed and the 33 injured were referred to various hospitals in Reasi, Treyath and Jammu.

A joint operation headquarters of the police, Indian Army and CRPF was set up at the site and a multi-dimensional operation was launched to get the attackers.

According to sources, the terrorists are believed to be hiding in the upper reaches of Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi.