Ten Indian nationals have been killed, while 33 others were wounded during an attack by terrorists on a bus transporting Hindu pilgrims who were on their way back from the Shiv Khori temple in the Jammu and Kashmir area adjacent to Pakistan.

The driver of the bus has lost control pf the vehicle amid the chaotic gunfire, causing the bus to careen into a steep ravine.

According to the Senior Superintendent of Police in Reasi, the passengers involved in the incident were from different regions of India and their identities are still unknown. The rescue operation took place on Sunday night, with the help of individuals present at the scene. The injured pilgrims were promptly transported to nearby hospitals in regional hubs for immediate medical attention.

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Terrorist attack took place just as the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and 71 ministers were taking their oaths of office, in the New Delhi ceremony. Following the conclusion of the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi, along with President Droupadi Murmu, Home Minister Amit Shah, and leaders from important political parties, strongly condemned the attack.

In response to the attack, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor stated that the prime minister instructed him to constantly oversee the situation and provide any necessary assistance to the affected families.

According to official sources, security measures have been enhanced in the region. The National Investigation Agency has been assigned the responsibility of investigating the attack. A joint operation headquarters has been set up at the location, consisting of the police, army, and the Central Reserve Police Force, to initiate a mission to capture the terrorists.

The latest attack served as a somber reminder of a similar incident that occurred on July 10, 2017. During that incident, a bus carrying pilgrims from Gujarat was subjected to intense gunfire in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the perilous situation, the driver successfully rescued 52 passengers, although seven pilgrims lost their lives and 19 sustained injuries.

Although there has been an overall improvement in the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, a region with a Muslim-majority population that has been a point of contention between India and Pakistan since the end of British colonial rule in 1947, combating terrorism in the area has remained a significant priority for New Delhi in recent years.

Indian military and security forces are continuously engaged in operations aimed at detecting and expelling terrorists who are concealed within forested regions.