Witnesses Recount the Horrific J&K Bus Attack
The terrifying moments that survivors of the terror attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in the Reasi area of Jammu and Kashmir went through have been described. To make sure none survived, the terrorists kept firing at the bus even after it fell into a ravine.
Terrorists in Masks Open Fire
An eyewitness told India Today TV, “They were six or seven terrorists, their faces covered with masks.” “At first, they covered the bus with gunfire from all directions on the route. They approached the vehicle after it fell and opened fire again to make sure everyone perished.”
Quiet Survival Strategy
The passengers decided to assume they were all dead and stay silent as a grim survival strategy. “We kept quiet to give them the impression (that we were dead),” the eyewitness added. The attack occurred 30 minutes after the bus departed for Vaishno Devi from Shivkhorhi (Reasi) at 6 pm. Fearful and desperate to return home, the passengers, including children and women, sustained injuries. The police and locals arrived to rescue them 10 to 15 minutes after the attack.
Relentless Assault
One survivor vividly recalled the relentless assault: “I saw one of the terrorists firing at the bus. He kept firing at the bus for 20 minutes even after it fell into a gorge.” The bus driver was hit by a bullet, causing him to lose control, and the vehicle plunged into the gorge.
Casualties and Injuries
The attack resulted in the deaths of ten people and injuries to 33 others. The pilgrims were en route from a shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district when the terrorists struck, causing the bus to roll down a gorge.
Terrorist Group Identified
Sources revealed that two to three terrorists were involved in the Reasi bus attack. They are believed to be part of the same group responsible for recent attacks in Rajouri and Poonch. The terrorists had been hiding in dense vegetation and ambushed the bus on Sunday.
Massive Search Operation Launched
In response to the attack, a massive search operation has been initiated to locate the terrorists. Home Ministry sources informed India Today TV that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been deployed to investigate the incident.
Advanced Search Techniques Employed
Drones are being utilized to scour the forest area, while a team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has also joined the operation. The comprehensive search and investigation efforts aim to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further attacks.
Source : J&K bus attack survivor recounts horror: ‘Stayed quiet to pretend we’re dead’ – India Today
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