The Pakistan-backed Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for a terror attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Sunday. The attack resulted in the deaths of nine people, including the driver and conductor, and left 33 others injured.

The bus, returning from the Shiv Khori shrine en route to Katra, was ambushed by terrorists hiding in nearby forests. They opened fire, hitting the driver and causing the bus to lose control and plunge into a gorge. The TRF, in a message, warned of more attacks on “tourists and non-locals” and labeled this attack as just the beginning.

Following the attack, a massive search operation has been launched to track down the terrorists. The Home Ministry has tasked the National Investigation Agency (NIA) with probing the incident. Security has been heightened in the region to prevent further attacks.

The TRF was designated a terrorist organization by India in 2023. Founded in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the group has been involved in numerous terror attacks in the region.

Sources indicate that two to three terrorists were involved in the Reasi bus attack. These terrorists are believed to be part of the same group that has conducted recent attacks in Rajouri and Poonch. They managed to flee the area after the attack, and drones are now being used to search the dense vegetation around the site.

Victims of the attack have been identified, with most being from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The driver and conductor of the bus, both from Reasi, were among those killed. Survivors reported that the terrorists continued firing at the bus even after it fell into the gorge, and they had to remain quiet to avoid being detected.

The police, assisted by local villagers, evacuated the passengers by 8:10 PM. A joint operation headquarters comprising the police, Indian Army, and CRPF was established at the site to coordinate the search for the attackers.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced financial aid of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. He also stated that a control room has been set up by the district administration to provide necessary assistance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed that the injured receive the best possible medical care. Various political leaders, including National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, Union Minister Amit Shah, President Droupadi Murmu, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have condemned the attack.

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