Bus Attack in Jammu, Kashmir Claims 10 Lives of Hindu pilgrims, Leaves 33 Injured

At least 10 people lost their lives and 33 sustained injuries when suspected militants opened fire on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in the Indian federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The incident occurred in the Reasi district of Jammu, where the driver lost control, leading the bus to plunge into a gorge, according to police officials.

Rescue operations have been concluded, but a search operation by the Indian army and police is underway to apprehend the attackers responsible for the heinous act.

Manoj Sinha, the region’s top administrator, condemned the attack, promising swift justice for those responsible.

“All those behind this heinous act will be punished soon,” he stated on social media.

Reports indicate that the bus was en route to the base camp of the famous Hindu shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi when it came under fire. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, district police chief Mohita Sharma confirmed suspicions that militants had ambushed the bus.

The incident has reignited tensions in the volatile region of Kashmir, which has long been a point of contention between India and Pakistan. Both nations claim the territory in full but exercise control over parts of it.

Since 1989, Indian-administered Kashmir has grappled with an armed insurgency against Delhi’s rule, resulting in thousands of casualties.

While the identities of the passengers are yet to be disclosed officially, it is believed they hail from the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Former Home Minister Amit Shah and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi joined the chorus of condemnation, expressing grief and raising questions about the security situation in the region.

Shah vowed that the perpetrators would face the full force of the law, echoing sentiments shared by government officials and leaders across party lines.