Nine people were killed and 33 others were injured after suspected terrorists fired upon a bus carrying pilgrims in northern India's Jammu and Kashmir.

The incident took place near Shiv Khori shrine in Reasi district on June 9.

Visuals showed that the bus has fallen into a gorge, and bullets have landed nearby, creating a scene of chaos. Despite the turmoil, people are banding together to rescue the injured. Ambulances are swiftly transporting the wounded to the hospital, where doctors are providing immediate care upon their arrival.

Police said that the incident occurred at 6:10 pm, when the bus was returning from Shiv Khori temple to Katra, and terrorists opened fire. Police, with the assistance of local villagers, evacuated all the passengers by 8:10 pm. The Superintendent of Police (SP) Reasi oversaw the evacuation and rushed the injured to different hospitals.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi, Mohita Sharma, reported that the bus driver lost control due to the firing and the bus fell into a gorge. The identities of the passengers, who were non-locals, have not been confirmed yet. All the injured were later shifted to Katra District Hospital and Narayana Hospital Katra.

Reports indicate that the terror attack has been claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), allegedly backed by Pakistan. Survivors recounted the traumatic event, detailing how the bus endured a barrage of 25 to 30 shots before careening into a gorge.

Eyewitnesses described a masked assailant wearing a red muffler firing upon the bus. The injured were swiftly transported to Teryath Hospital, Narayan Hospital, and Reasi District Hospital for medical attention.

An injured pilgrim from Banaras, receiving treatment at Teryath Hospital, recalled, "Our departure was scheduled for 4 pm, but the bus departed around 5:30 pm and suddenly came under attack." Another survivor, Santosh Kumar from Uttar Pradesh, admitted to the district hospital, recounted, "I was seated beside the bus driver as we descended from dense forests when an individual dressed in army-like attire, with his face concealed by black cloth, emerged in front of the bus and opened fire indiscriminately. The driver was struck, causing the bus to plunge into the gorge." He added that the assailants continued firing for several minutes.

A joint operation headquarters, comprising the police, Indian Army, and CRPF, was established at the site, and a comprehensive operation was launched to capture the attackers. Sources suggest that the terrorists might be hiding in the upper regions of Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi.