J-K TERROR ATTACK: MASSIVE MANHUNT UNDERWAY; LG TAKES STOCK OF SITUATION AFTER DEADLY ATTACK ON PILGRIMS IN REASI | UPDATES
J-K Terror Attack: A massive manhunt is underway for terrorists responsible for the deadly attack on pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi on Sunday that resulted in the loss of nine lives including a two-year-old. According to reports, the attack was carried out by three foreign terrorists, possibly belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit. Following the incident, a joint operation involving the police, army, National Investigation Agency (NIA), and central intelligence agencies was launched to track down the perpetrators.
Here Are Updates On Jammu And Kashmir Bus Terror Attack
- At least 41 were injured after the terrorists opened fire at the 53-seater bus, which was on its way from the Shiv Khori temple to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, causing it to veer off the road and fall into a deep gorge near the Teryath village of the Poni area of Reasi on Sunday evening.
- The bus was carrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi. The injured were undergoing treatment in hospitals across Jammu and Reasi districts.
- The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit, initially claimed responsibility for the attack but retracted its statement later.
- The security forces have intensified the combing operation in the mountainous terrains of Rajouri and Reasi, where the terrorists are suspected to be hiding.
- "Operation is continuing for the second day and we are working on various inputs. Multiple teams have been formed to work on two different axes while the investigation part is also continuing simultaneously," the DIG, who is leading the operation, told PTI.
- Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha held a high-level meeting to review the security situation and condemned the attack, calling it a part of a malicious scheme to disrupt peace in the region. The administration has announced ex gratia payments of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Sinha also visited the injured in Jammu and Reasi hospitals.
- "Chaired a security review meeting with the officials of J&K Police and Civil Administration. I assure the people that those behind the attack on pilgrims in Reasi and those aiding and abetting them will be punished," the Lt Governor wore on X.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took stock of the situation and assured that those responsible will face justice.
- The attack has also triggered anti-Pakistan protests across the Jammu region, with the protesters demanding increased security measures and action against the neighbouring country for sponsoring terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
(With Agencies Inputs)