JUNE 10, 2024: Nation Mourns and Condemns Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, In a tragic and brutal terrorist attack, eight pilgrims were killed and 33 others injured when their bus was attacked in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday evening. The assailants opened fire on the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and plummet into a gorge, according to a senior police officer.

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her deep anguish over the incident, calling it a "dastardly act" and a crime against humanity. In a heartfelt message posted on X, she extended her condolences to the families of the victims and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. "The nation stands with the families of the victims," she affirmed, underscoring the collective grief and support for those affected.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been actively monitoring the situation, ensuring that the victims receive the necessary medical care and that security measures are intensified to prevent such incidents in the future. He has directed authorities to provide all possible assistance to the affected families.The attack, targeting a bus carrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, has sparked widespread condemnation across the country. Leaders from various political and social spectrums have denounced the violence, emphasizing the need for unity and resilience in the face of terrorism. Security forces have launched a comprehensive search operation in the area to apprehend the perpetrators. The government has also assured that stringent actions will be taken to bring the culprits to justice and enhance security measures for pilgrims and residents alike.

This incident is a grim reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in the region, prompting calls for renewed efforts to ensure peace and security. The resilience and unity of the nation stand as a testament to its determination to overcome such challenges and uphold the values of humanity and justice.This dastardly act is a crime against humanity, and must be condemned in the strongest words. The nation stands with the families of the victims. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," Ms. Murmu said in a post on X. The Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took stock of the situation and directed me to constantly monitor the situation and to ensure all possible assistance to the families,” Mr. Sinha said in a post on X. The Lieutenant Governor said that security forces have launched a joint operation to hunt down the terrorists and those behind the attack will be punished soon.

The attack occurred on the bus en route from Shiv Khori temple to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine at Katra near Teryath village in the Poni area. The bus, a 53-seater, veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge following the gunfire at aound 6:15 pm.