Heroic Bus Driver's Final Act of Bravery Amidst Terror Attack in J&K's Reasi
In a harrowing incident on Sunday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, the driver of a bus carrying pilgrims exhibited exceptional bravery amidst a terrorist attack, sources report. The bus, traveling from Shiv Khori temple to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine at Katra, came under fire near Teryath village in the Poni area. Despite the barrage of bullets, the driver attempted to steer the bus to safety.
“After having darshan at Mata Vaishno Devi, I went to Shiv Khori. While returning from there, after 4-5 km, bullets were fired on our bus. The firing did not stop even after our bus fell into the ditch. The driver was shot, and then some people were also injured in the firing,” recounted a survivor of the Reasi terror attack.
Reasi Incident –A courageous sacrifice
The driver, who ultimately succumbed to his injuries, managed to maneuver the bus away from a worse fate before it plunged into a deep gorge. The attack has resulted in ten confirmed deaths so far.
According to sources, 11 security teams have been deployed, each working along two different axes. Guided by leads and inputs, these teams are intensifying their search efforts, using drones to locate the terrorists. In the wake of the attack, additional forces have been stationed at nearby Indian Army outposts, and a comprehensive search operation is ongoing.
Prompt rescue operations were initiated, with the injured swiftly transported to nearby medical facilities. Senior police officials and security forces responded immediately, cordoning off the area.
SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma stated, “Initial reports suggest that terrorists fired upon the passenger bus going from Shiv Khori to Katra. Due to the firing, the bus driver lost balance, and it fell into the gorge. 33 people were injured in the incident. The rescue operation has been completed. The identities of the passengers have not been confirmed yet; they are not locals. Shiv Khori shrine was secured, and area dominance was done.”
National Leaders Respond
Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefed on the situation and directed the Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to continuously monitor developments. On X, the J&K LG assured that those responsible will be brought to justice, adding, “Hon’ble PM has also directed that all the injured are provided the best possible medical care and assistance.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah condemned the attack, stating that the perpetrators will face the full force of the law. On X, he expressed his sorrow over the incident, having spoken to the Lieutenant Governor and the DGP of J&K for updates.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh labeled the attack “extremely reprehensible,” while former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad also condemned the militant assault on the pilgrim bus in Ransoo, Reasi.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wished for the swift recovery of the injured, calling the incident ‘cowardly’ and highlighting the serious security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge similarly denounced the gruesome terror attack as a deliberate affront to national security.
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Reference: News 18
