Nine pilgrims die in terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir

Nine pilgrims were killed in Jammu and Kashmir terror attack. Photo Courtesy: Screengrab from Youtube video

At least nine pilgrims died and 33 others were injured when a bus carrying pilgrims fell into a gorge after suspected terrorists opened fire on the vehicle in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.

The bus was reportedly coming from Ransoo area when the attack occurred.

The bus was reportedly on its way to Shiv Khori cave temple, a Hindu pilgrimage destination, when terrorists attacked it.

According to reports, the bus driver lost control of the vehicle following the sudden attack and it fell into the gorge.

The injured people were taken to hospital following the rescue operation.

The area has been cordoned off.

The search operation is currently underway.

The attack occurred on a day when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took oath for the third straight term after his Bharatiya Janata Party registered a win in the Indian general polls.

On 5 August 2019, the Indian government, just months after the Modi government returned to power for the second term, issued a Presidential Order superseding the 1954 order, and making all the provisions of the Indian constitution applicable to Jammu and Kashmir.

The order was based on the resolution passed in both houses of India’s parliament with two-thirds majority.

A further order on 6 August made all the clauses of Article 370 except clause 1 to be inoperative.

Article 370 granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.