Jammu and Kashmir police have released a sketch of a terrorist involved in the Reasi bus attack, offering a reward of Rs 20 lakh for information leading to his capture. The attack on June 9 killed at least 10 pilgrims and injured 42 others. The bus was transporting pilgrims to the base camp of the renowned Hindu temple Mata Vaishno Devi. The bus, carrying pilgrims from the Shiv Khori shrine to Katra, was targeted around 6.10 pm in the Pouni area of Reasi district.
The police, based on eyewitness descriptions, created the sketch and urged the public to provide any relevant information. They believe Lashkar-e-Taiba is behind the attack and have formed 11 teams to investigate, supported by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) forensic team.
"I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on a bus in Reasi. My condolences to the family members of the martyred civilians. Our security forces and JKP have launched a joint operation to hunt down the terrorists," the LG said in a post on X. (ANI)
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for the injured.
Photo Courtesy: ANI & PTI
In a conversation with ANI, the bus company manager recounted the driver's heroism, who sacrificed himself for the passengers. Nine people were killed and 42 injured in the ambush.
Inspector General of Police Kashmir VK Birdi chaired a security review meeting ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, discussing security for upcoming festivals. The meeting covered law and order, crowd control, and surveillance of anti-social elements using drones and CCTVs.
The Jammu and Kashmir police have formed 11 teams to investigate the Reasi terror attack. Deputy Inspector General of Police Rayees Mohammad Bhat stated that two to three terrorists were involved, with a search operation ongoing. The NIA is collecting evidence, and the Lieutenant Governor announced compensation for the victims' families and the injured.
The family members of the terror attack urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give a befitting reply to Pakistan.
Rajesh Kumar Mishra, father of one of the injured Atul Kumar Mishra, said that his son has injuries on his arms and forehead.
"My son, Atul Kumar Mishra, left for Vaishno Devi on June 6. He reached there on 7th June and stayed on June 8... When he was returning on the 9th, at 5:30 pm, terrorists attacked the bus, after which the bus fell into the ditch. My son has injuries on his arms and forehead and my daughter-in-law is also injured. They are doing fine, and I was able to talk to them quite a few times... They will come back today or tomorrow... Pakistan was not happy with PM Modi taking the oath. I request PM Modi to give a befitting reply to Pakistan. This cowardly attack should not happen again," Mishra told ANI.
Meanwhile, Kirti Azad, the brother-in-law of the deceased, demanded strict action and requested that the central and state governments make arrangements to bring the deceased back.
"Pawan Saini (his brother) had told that he was being taken to the hospital and he had no information about his wife (Pooja Saini) and two-year-old son (Livansh Saini).
According to the latest information, Pooja and her son are dead. Their parents were also with them and we have information that even they are dead. I request that the central and state governments make arrangements to bring them back. Strict action should be taken," the brother-in-law of the deceased said.
Rajesh Saini, the brother of one of the injured, said, "We had received a call from the rescue team. Pawan (injured) had given our number. He informed me about the terrorist attack & said that he was being shifted to the hospital."