Reasi Terror Attack: Devotees continue to visit Shiv Khori shrine

Indian Army conduct a search operation in the area where the Reasi bus terror attack happened. Pic/AFP

Devotees of Shiv Khori temple remain unaffected by the terrorist attack on a pilgrim bus that claimed nine lives on Sunday night, demonstrating their faith in both the god and the security authorities.

As per reports from PTI, devotees were seen making a brief stopover near the site of the incident on Tuesday, near Teryath village of the Poni area and raised slogans like 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Bharatiya Sena Zindabad' and praying for the deceased.

Parmeela Bajaj, a part of a 20-member group from Maharashtra, told PTI, "We came to know about the terror attack through news but decided to continue our journey to have darshan of Mata Rani (Vaishno Devi)."

The group stopped at the scene of Sunday's terror attack to have a look at the spot where the attacked bus still lay in a gorge. It was when they were on their way to Shiv Khori temple after praying at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.

"Whatever happened was terrible. The dead included a two-year-old boy and his mother. We pray for the departed souls," Bajaj said.

Terrorists opened fire at the 53-seater bus, which was on its way to Katra from the Shiv Khori temple, causing it to veer off the road and fall into a deep gorge. Forty-one persons were also injured in the attack.

The bus was carrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi, as reported by PTI.

Mangla Mahajan, from Maharashtra, said, "Fear is natural but we have full faith in our security forces who defend our country without fear for their lives. We have faith in our Lord."

"We have full confidence that our forces will track down the terrorists and punish them. When it comes to our army, we have no fear," Mahajan said.

Nitin, another devotee, said there was no doubt in their thoughts about their safety when they left their native state for Jammu and Kashmir.

He said, "We performed darshan at Vaishno Devi and are now heading for Shiv Khori. The attackers will be punished as our army is carrying out a massive hunt for them." Nitin further added, "We pray for good sense to prevail in the enemy camp otherwise our forces will wipe them out."

PTI reported that the renowned Vaishno Devi shrine, which is situated in the Trikuta hills more than 80 miles from the Shiv Khori temple, was said to be packed, according to authorities.

"Adequate security arrangements are in place at both Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori temples. A fresh security review of both places was carried out in the wake of the terror attack," an official stated.

The official said that more security officers have been deployed along the main route that leads to Shiv Khori from both the Reasi and Rajouri sides.