Reasi terror attack: 50 detained, search expanded to district’s far-flung areas

Nine pilgrims were killed and over 41 injured after terrorists fired on their bus in Reasi, which resulted in the vehicle plunging into a gorge.

Speaking to news agency PTI, a police spokesperson confirmed that 50 suspects were detained after an intensive probe into the deadly attack. “Significant leads have been uncovered, aiding in the identification and capture of those who may be potentially involved in orchestrating the attack. To ensure a comprehensive probe, search operations have been expanded to cover the far-flung areas of Arnas and Mahore,” PTI quoted the spokesperson as saying.

He said such operations are targeted at digging out further evidence and track down terrorists who might be hiding in the remote regions of the district.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have already released a sketch of one of the militants involved in attack on the pilgrim bus in Reasi district and announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh for “fruitful” information about him. “The law enforcement agencies are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the area,” PTI quoted the spokesperson as saying.

Jammua nd Kashmir is witnessing a sudden spurt in militant violence since the pilgrim bus attack in Reasi on a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi took oath for the third time.

An overnight gunbattle in Jammu & Kashmir’s Kathua district ended Wednesday after a second militant who was holed up in a village was killed and a CRPF jawan lost his life, police said.

Hours later, in Doda district’s Kota Top area near Gandoh, a special police officer was injured after a joint team of police and paramilitary forces came under fire from militants — the fourth such incident in Jammu since Sunday.

Mohita Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police in Reasi, urged people to be vigilant and report to authorities if they notice any suspicious activity.

–with inputs from PTI