Drones hunt terrorists after attack on bus carrying pilgrims in Jammu

Jammu:

A large-scale search operation is underway in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir where terrorists attacked a bus full of pilgrims yesterday. The bus plunged into a ravine, killing nine passengers and injuring 33. Two to three Pakistani terrorists are believed to have been involved in the attack. They are said to be hiding in the upper regions of Rajouri, Reasi and Poonch, IANS reported, citing officials.

Officials said M4 carbines, a US-made variant of assault rifle, were used. At least three terror groups are active in the Reasi-Udhampur-Poonch-Rajouri region, sources in the security forces told NDTV, adding that there are no local terrorists here. The recent attacks are not linked as the groups operate independently, they said.

The driver lost control after terrorists opened fire on the bus and it fell into a ravine in Teryath village in Poni district, said Mohita Sharma, SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police) Reasi. The bus was on its way from Shiv Khori Temple to Katra town.

The bus went from the Shiv Khori Temple to the city of Katra.

Army, police and paramilitary forces rushed to the aid of the passengers with the help of locals. Nine people died while the injured, all non-locals, were taken to hospitals in Reasi and Jammu.

Officials said a joint operational headquarters of police, army and CRPF has been set up at the spot and five teams and a drone have been deployed for the search operations.

The attack occurred on the day India swore in its national government and a number of politicians took the oath of office along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The prime minister assessed the situation and assured all help, said Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

Amit Shah, who was in charge of internal security in the previous cabinet, said online that he was “deeply saddened” by the attack on the pilgrims. “The perpetrators of this heinous attack will not be spared and will face the punishment of the law,” he warned, praying for the victims.