At least nine pilgrims were killed and thirty seven of them were injured when terrorists opened fire at the bus in which they were travelling.
Packed with pilgrims the bus was returning from Shivkhodi dham in Riyasi district of Jammu when it was ambushed.
Among the dead included one child.
The manner in which terrorists struck clearly indicates that it was a premeditated attack coinciding with PM Narendra Modi’s oath taking ceremony.
The attack took place between chandi mod and Kanda on Pauni road around 5.30 pm sunday.
Four masked men lying in wait opened a barrage of gun fire aiming straight at the driver who lost control over the steering causing the bus to veer around and fall in a gorge.
Sources said, the attackers continued firing even after the bus was sliding down the gorge.
Locals rushed to the spot and made all out efforts to rescue pilgrims trapped inside. This was followed by police, crpf and army personnel who joined the rescue and relief operation.
The injured were shifted to a hospital for treatment. Most of the dead hail from uttar pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi.
The attackers escaped in the jungle after this.
Army and police have launched a massive operation to track down the militants.
Union home minister has expressed grief over the incident and talked to authorities including DGP on phone to take stock of the situation.
UP CM Yogi Aditya Nath has termed this a cowardly attack while expressing feelings for members of families who lost their lives. He directed principal secretary home and DGP to get in touch with Jammu authorities and offer any help they need.
