President Murmu, other leaders condole loss of lives in Jammu and Kashmir bus attack

President Droupadi Murmu. Pic/AFP

President Droupadi Murmu, along with several other leaders, have expressed their deep condolences over the loss of lives in the Reasi terror attack and condemned Jammu and Kashmir bus attack.

As many as nine people are feared dead and 33 others injured in the Jammu and Kashmir bus attack.

President Droupadi Murmu said in a post on X, "I am deeply distressed to learn of a bus accident in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir in which a number of pilgrims have died. My condolences to the families of the victims. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."

Calling the act as a crime against humanity Murmu added, "I am anguished by the terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. This dastardly act is a crime against humanity, and must be condemned in the strongest words. The nation stands with the families of the victims. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took stock of the situation arising out of the terror attack on pilgrims in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir in which nine people were killed.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the prime minister directed him to constantly monitor the situation and ensure all possible help to the affected families.

"The Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took stock of the situation and directed me to constantly monitor the situation and to ensure all possible assistance to the families," Sinha said in a post on X.

The Lieutenant Governor said that security forces have launched a joint operation to hunt down the terrorists and those behind the Jammu and Kashmir bus attack will be punished soon.

"I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on a bus in Reasi. My condolences to the family members of the martyred civilians. Our security forces & JKP have launched a joint operation to hunt down the terrorists," he said.

"All those behind this heinous act will be punished soon. Hon'ble PM has also directed that all the injured are provided the best possible medical care & assistance," he added.

Union Minister and BJP leader Jagat Prakash Nadda said, "Deeply pained by the cowardly attack on the bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi, J&K, my deepest condolences go to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this heinous act against pilgrims. I am praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and for God to give strength to the bereaved families to endure the pain during this difficult time. Om Shanti!"

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a post on X, termed the attack as "extremely sad" and paid his tributes to the deceased.

"The cowardly attack on the bus carrying pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir is extremely sad. My humble tributes to the departed souls! My condolences are with the grieving families. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant the departed souls a place at His feet and to provide a swift recovery to all the injured," Yogi said in a post on social media.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also condemned the attack, stating, "The news of several casualties in the terrorist attack on devotees in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, is extremely distressing. I condemn this cowardly attack and can say with full confidence that these enemies of humanity will not be spared," Dhami said.

"I pray to God for peace to the departed souls, strength to the grieving families to bear this immense pain, and a speedy recovery for the injured," he added.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his condolences on X, labelling the attack as "highly condemnable" and extended his prayers for the peace of the departed souls and swift recovery of the injured.

"Sad news is coming in about the death of 10 people in a terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from the Shiv Khori temple in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. There are also reports of many people being injured in the attack. This cowardly attack by terrorists is highly condemnable, and I strongly denounce it" Sai said.

"I pray to God for the peace of the departed souls and for providing strength to the grieving families, as well as for the swift recovery of the injured," he added.

BJP leader Dilip Ghosh linked the attack to the political scenario, claiming, "The results of I.N.D.I Coalition winning 232 seats are being seen now. In Kashmir, a terrorist attack targeted a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims, with the passengers being fired upon. Ten passengers were killed, and many others were injured," said Ghosh on his official Twitter account.

"Those hiding in their burrows for so long are now trying to raise their heads again. But they won't last long. We will suppress them with a firm hand. There is no place for terrorists in Bharat," he added.

The Congress condemned the gruesome terror attack on a bus carrying pilgrims that resulted in the loss of nine lives and said the incident reflects the true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "Even while PM, Shri Narendra Modi and his NDA Government get sworn in and heads of several countries are in the country, a dastardly terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims has resulted in loss of lives of at least 10 Indians."

"We unequivocally condemn this gruesome terror attack on our people and deliberate affront to our National Security," he said in a post on X.

The Congress president said just three weeks ago, tourists were fired upon in Pahalgam and several terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir are continuing unabated.

"All the chest-thumping propaganda of bringing peace and normalcy by the Modi (now NDA) Government rings hollow. India stands united against terrorism," Kharge said.

"Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims wish and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Government and authorities should provide immediate assistance and compensation to the victims," he said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the cowardly terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from Shivkhodi temple in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district is extremely saddening.

"This shameful incident is the true picture of the worrying security situation in Jammu and Kashmir," Gandhi said in a post on X.

"I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. The entire country stands united against terrorism," the former Congress chief said.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "The cowardly terrorist attack on a bus full of pilgrims in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir is extremely sad and condemnable. Terrorism is a violent act against humanity against which the entire country stands in solidarity."

"I pray for peace to all the departed souls and speedy recovery of the injured. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families," she said in a post.

The attack occurred on the bus en route from Shiv Khori temple to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine at Katra near Teryath village in the Poni area. The bus, a 53-seater, veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge following the gunfire at aound 6:15 pm.

(With inputs from Agencies)