A team of investigators from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, to assist local authorities in investigating the devastating terror attack that claimed the lives of nine pilgrims on Sunday.
The attack targeted a bus carrying devotees returning from the holy Shiv Khori shrine to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. Terrorists ambushed the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and plunge into a deep gorge near Teryath village in the Poni area. This senseless act resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including a young boy from Rajasthan and a teenager from Uttar Pradesh. Dozens more were left injured.
The NIA team will collaborate closely with Jammu and Kashmir police to meticulously investigate the attack. Their expertise will be vital in gathering evidence, identifying the perpetrators, and uncovering the motive behind this heinous crime.
Security forces have launched a large-scale search operation in the surrounding area to apprehend those responsible for the attack. The Pakistan-backed terror outfit The Resistance Front (TRF), considered an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. Sources suggest there were 2-3 terrorists involved in the ambush, who reportedly shot the bus driver causing him to lose control of the vehicle.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, visited the injured pilgrims receiving treatment at Government Medical College, Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Katra. He expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for a speedy recovery of the injured. The Lieutenant Governor is closely monitoring the situation and has directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care and support for the affected families. He previously approved financial assistance of Rs. 10 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 each for those injured in the attack.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats of terrorism. The swift response by the NIA and security forces demonstrates their unwavering commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety of pilgrims on these sacred journeys.