Five victims had gunshot wounds.

A Covert Operation in the Shadows of the Pir Panjal.

||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh June 11,2024||

In a horrific act of terrorism, four Pakistani militants, assisted by a local accomplice had launched the devastating attack on a bus carrying Shiv Khori pilgrims in Teryath, Reasi district, last evening. The calculated assault resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including seven yatris, the bus driver, and the conductor, while 43 others sustained injuries. Teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the State Investigation Agency (SIA), and forensic experts have descended upon the site, joining forces with local police in a massive manhunt for the attackers.

The attackers, believed to be highly trained in military warfare, had been hiding in the dense forests around Teryath. Their strike was meticulously planned, taking place just an hour before the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new Council of Ministers. The terrorists ambushed the bus as it slowed down on a curve, taking advantage of the deserted road at 6:10 PM.

Eyewitness accounts describe the chilling precision of the assault. One terrorist, dressed in an Army uniform, emerged onto the road, while another, also in combat attire, fired from a strategic position on the hill. Two more militants provided cover from higher ground. Their local accomplice facilitated their movement from the Pir Panjal forests to Teryath and their subsequent retreat.

The attackers were armed with INSAS and M4 Carbine weapons, hinting at possible connections with the Pakistani Armed Forces. The sophistication and coordination of the attack bear similarities to previous incidents in Surankote’s Dera Ki Gali (December 21, 2023) and Sanai Nullah (May 4, 2024).

The assault claimed the lives of nine individuals, five of whom had gunshot wounds. Among the 43 injured, ten sustained bullet injuries. Hospitals in Jammu and Katra are treating the wounded, with three already discharged and 18 still under care, two in critical condition.

The human stories behind the statistics are heart-wrenching. Jaipur couple Rajinder and Mamata Sawhney were among the injured, leaving their three children anxiously awaiting news at home. Rajinder, the family’s sole breadwinner, now lies in a hospital bed, his future uncertain.

In Ajmera Ki Dhani, near Chomu, the family of Pooja Sawhney and her two-year-old child mourn their loss. Pooja, married to Pawan, an e-Mitra shop owner, leaves behind a devastated husband and community. Financial assistance will be provided to the bereaved families as per Rajasthan Government norms, with additional support for Rajendra’s orphaned children being sought from donors.

The attack’s impact reverberates across multiple districts, highlighting the widespread grief and loss. Among the injured are individuals from Balrampur, Gonda, and Gorakhpur districts in Uttar Pradesh. Balrampur’s District Magistrate, Arvind Singh, confirmed that 12 devotees from his district had embarked on the pilgrimage. Ruby and Anurag Verma from Kandhbhari village lost their lives, while ten others are hospitalized.

In Gonda, officials are coordinating with their counterparts in Jammu to assist the eight injured family members. A Magistrate and a Deputy SP have been dispatched to Jammu to provide support. Suryanath Gupta from Bhikharipur village anxiously awaits updates on his eight family members, all injured in the attack.

Seventeen family members from Gorakhpur had split into two groups for the pilgrimage. Four members who went to Shiv Khori were injured, while the rest remained in Katra. The injured include residents from Purdilpur Kali Mandir Gali and Bhairopur in the Kuraghat area.

DGP R.R. Swain and ADGP Anand Jain are commendably leading from the front in overseeing the search operations at the base. Their hands-on approach and unwavering dedication exemplify their commitment to ensuring thorough and efficient execution of the mission. Their presence has significantly boosted the morale of the teams on the ground, reinforcing the importance of leadership in critical situations.

As the investigation continues, security forces are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice. The NIA, SIA, and forensic teams are meticulously combing the site for clues. This attack, echoing previous assaults in the region, underscores the ongoing threat posed by cross-border terrorism.

In the wake of this tragedy, the nation stands in solidarity with the victims. The search for the terrorists is relentless, driven by a collective resolve to prevent such atrocities in the future. The resilience and unity of the affected communities will be crucial in overcoming this dark chapter.