Militants ambush pilgrim bus in Jammu, killing nine

SRINAGAR — Militants opened fire at a bus carrying pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Sunday evening, killing nine people and injuring 33, police said.

The 53-seater bus, en route from Shiv Khori temple to Katra, veered off the road following the gunfire and fell into a deep gorge. The incident took place around 6:15 pm near Teryath village in Poni area.

SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma said, “Initial reports suggest that terrorists fired upon the passenger bus going from Shiv Khori to Katra. Due to the firing, the bus driver lost the balance of the bus and it fell into the gorge. 33 people were injured in the incident.”

“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 domination was done,” she said.

The attack marks a significant escalation in violence in the region as Reasi district has been relatively untouched by militant activities compared to neighbouring areas such as Rajouri and Poonch.