NEW DELHI:Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who took oath at a grand ceremony this evening that was attended by over 8,000 dignitaries, took stock of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir after a terror attack on pilgrims in the Reasi district killed nine people and injured 33 others, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation and directed me to constantly monitor the situation and to ensure all possible assistance to the families," Mr Sinha said in a post on X.
"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 police have launched a joint operation to hunt down the terrorists," he said.
"All those behind this heinous act will be punished soon. The PM has also directed that all the injured are provided the best possible medical care and assistance."
President Droupadi Murmu condoled the deaths of pilgrims in the terror attack. "I am deeply distressed to learn of a bus accident in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir in which a number of pilgrims have died. My condolences to the families of the victims. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," she wrote on X.
I am deeply distressed to learn of a bus accident in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir in which a number of pilgrims have died. My condolences to the families of the victims. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 9, 2024
Union Minister Amit Shah condemned the gruesome terror attack and said that those behind the "dastardly attack won't be spared and will face the wrath of the law".
"The local administration is working on a war footing to provide immediate medical attention," he wrote on X.
"Deeply pained by the incident of the attack on pilgrims in Reasi, J&K. Spoke to the Lieutenant Governor and the DGP, J&K, and inquired about the incident. The culprits of this dastardly attack will not be spared and will face the wrath of the law. The local administration is working on a war footing to provide immediate medical attention. May the Almighty give the loved ones of the deceased the strength to bear this pain. I also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," he wrote.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also called the attack "cowardly" and wrote: "The cowardly terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from Shivkhodi temple in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir is extremely saddening. This shameful incident is the true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir."
"I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. The entire country stands united against terrorism," he added.
In a post, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra mourned the loss of lives in the attack and wrote, "The cowardly terrorist attack on a bus full of pilgrims in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, is extremely sad and condemnable. Terrorism is a violent act against humanity against which the entire country stands in solidarity."
"I pray for peace to all the departed souls and speedy recovery of the injured. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families," she added.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge "unequivocally" condemned the terror attack on "our people".
"We unequivocally condemn this gruesome terror attack on our people and deliberate affront to our National Security. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The government and authorities should provide immediate assistance and compensation to the victims," he said.
The attack marks a significant escalation in violence in the region. Reasi district has been relatively untouched by terrorist activities compared to neighbouring Rajouri and Poonch.
The bus, with pilgrims from Shiv Khori temple, skidded off the road after the driver lost control in the face of gunfire by terrorists and fell into a deep gorge.