Reasi Terrorist Attack: Opposition leaders have strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Sunday evening. The attack resulted in the deaths of nine people and injuries to 33 others. The bus, enroute from Shiv Khori temple to Katra, veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge following gunfire near Teryath village in the Poni area.
Former chief minister and Jammu Kashmir National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah expressed his grief, saying, "Terrible news from Reasi in J&K where 10 yatris have reportedly lost their lives & many more are injured after a terror attack on a bus. I unequivocally condemn this attack. It is unfortunate to see areas that had previously been cleared of all militants see a return of militancy. May the deceased rest in peace & may the injured make a swift recovery."
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also condemned the attack, stating, "Even while PM, Shri Narendra Modi and his NDA Govt get sworn in and heads of several countries are in the country, a dastardly terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims has resulted in the loss of lives of at least 10 Indians. We unequivocally condemn this gruesome terror attack on our people and deliberate affront to our National Security. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Government & authorities should provide immediate assistance and compensation to the victims."
Congress MP-elect Rahul Gandhi remarked that the incident portrayed "a true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir". He wrote on X, "The cowardly terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori temple in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, is extremely tragic. This shameful incident is a true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. I express my deep condolences to all the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. The whole country stands united against terrorism."
Ghulam Nabi Azad, chairperson of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party, shared his strong condemnation of the attack: "Strongly condemn the militant attack on the pilgrim bus in Ransoo, Reasi. The bus driver lost control, resulting in a fall into the gorge, with 9 feared dead and many injured. This inhumane act deserves the strongest condemnation. Prayers for the injured and condolences to the families who lost their loved ones!"
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee called for a probe as she wrote, "Learnt that there has been an incident of attack on some pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir, and there have been consequently 9 deaths. The matter should be immediately investigated into. I convey my profound condolences to the victim families."
Former Maharashtra CM Sharad Pawar expressed his shock saying, "Deeply shocked and saddened by the barbaric and cowardly terrorist act in Udhampur, J&K. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families."
J&K Congress President Vikar Rasool Wani called for government action while speaking to news agency ANI, "We are very sad at this cowardly attack on pilgrims. We demand from the government to provide relief to the victims."
The incident, which took place around 6.15 pm, marks a significant escalation in violence in the region. Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi, Mohita Sharma, confirmed the casualties and the number of injured, highlighting the serious nature of the attack. Reasi district, which has been relatively untouched by terrorist activities compared to neighbouring areas such as Rajouri and Poonch, now faces heightened security challenges.