Echoing similar sentiments, another survivor affirmed the relentless assault, narrating how the attackers showed no mercy even after the vehicle was incapacitated…reports Asian Lite News
Survivors of the Reasi attack on Monday recounted their harrowing experience, revealing how they resorted to playing dead as terrorists continued their onslaught even after their bus plunged into a deep gorge.
The targeted bus, ferrying Hindu pilgrims en route from Jammu and Kashmir’s Shiv Khori to Vaishno Devi, became the scene of horror as terrorists unleashed a barrage of gunfire from multiple directions. Tragically, nine lives were lost, with 33 others sustaining injuries in the assault.
Recalling the terrifying sequence of events, survivors described a relentless hail of bullets raining down on the bus for what felt like an eternity, with one witness recounting the onslaught lasting around 20 minutes.
“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,” a survivor said.
Echoing similar sentiments, another survivor affirmed the relentless assault, narrating how the attackers showed no mercy even after the vehicle was incapacitated.
“I went for darshan of Shiv Khori. While returning, some people opened fire on our bus. Later, the bus fell into a ditch. Several people were injured in the incident. The firing did not stop even after the bus fell. I think there were 2-3 terrorists there. My son saw a man firing on our bus from behind,” he added.
As the bus plummeted into the gorge, victims resorted to a desperate ploy, maintaining eerie silence in a bid to deceive the terrorists into believing they had succumbed to the violence.
In the aftermath of the attack, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have launched a sweeping cordon-and-search operation, determined to hunt down the terrorists involved in the dastardly attack.
French envoy expresses condolences
Meanwhile, French Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou expressed condolence on the Reasi terror attack which killed nine and wished speedy recovery for the injured.
“Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the attack in #Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir. We wish the injured a speedy recovery and stand in full solidarity with India,” the French envoy posted on X.
The terror attack took place in J-K’s Reasi district on Sunday after a vehicle fell into a deep gorge after terrorists opened fire killing at least nine people and leaving over 30 injured.
The Jammu and Kashmir police said on Monday, that at least two terrorists were involved in the attack. “As per eyewitnesses, two (terrorists) were there as of now. A combing operation is underway in the area. Five teams have been formed to search in the area,” Reasi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mohita Sharma said.
The SSP further said that five teams have been formed to conduct the search operation in the dense forest area in and around the incident spot. The Indian Army and State Disaster Response Force are also present at the site. Drones are also being used to search the forest area.
According to officials, the bus, en route from the Shiv Khori shrine to Katra, was targeted by terrorists at around 6.10 pm when it reached the Pouni area of Reasi district, bordering Rajouri district. “Terrorists opened fire, causing the driver to lose control and the bus to plunge into a gorge,” they said.
Officials said that the rescue operations are complete and the injured have been taken to Naraina and Reasi District hospitals. J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and assured that those behind it would be punished. (ANI)
ALSO READ-Search Intensifies for Reasi Attackers