The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Following a tragic accident in Jammu, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has suspended six officials, including a Motor Vehicle Inspector from the Regional Transport Office in Kathua.

As per an order issued by the Transport department, an in-depth enquiry has also been initiated with officials directed to submit a report within a week.

Suspended officials, as per the order, include Ranjeev Bhasin, Motor Vehicle Inspector; Sumit Magotra, Junior Assistant; and four MTS staff: Ashwani Kumar, Aman Kumar, Keshav Singh, and Rakesh Kumar.

Parmvir Singh, Additional Secretary (Technical), Road Safety Council, J&K, has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer.

Notably, the accident, which occurred on Thursday, claimed the lives of 22 pilgrims and injured 69 others.

The deceased included six children and eight women, while the injured comprised 17 children and 29 women. The pilgrims, mostly from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, were en route to the Shivkhori Shrine in Reasi district.

SRINAGAR — In a devastating accident on Thursday, a bus carrying passengers from Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, plunged into a deep gorge near Tanda in the Akhnoor area of Jammu, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 passengers and injuries to 57 others. The tragic incident has prompted a significant response from local authorities and top political leaders.

The accident occurred when the driver of the overcrowded bus reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to hurtle down into the gorge. Rescue operations were promptly launched by the District Administration, Police, Army, and other emergency teams to retrieve the bodies and assist the injured. By 6 pm, officials confirmed that the casualty count had risen to 22, with 57 individuals receiving treatment at a local health facility.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, announcing financial assistance for the victims' families. "Anguished by the loss of lives due to a bus mishap in Akhnoor. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover soon," he said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The PMO further stated that Rs. 2 lakh would be given to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.

President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her condolences, stating, "Pained beyond words to learn about the loss of lives in a bus accident in Akhnoor near Jammu. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I wish a speedy recovery of the injured," she added in a post on X.

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, expressed his grief and announced additional financial support. "The bus accident in Akhnoor, Jammu is heart-rending. I condole the loss of lives and pray to the almighty to give the bereaved families the strength to bear the irreparable loss. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," he stated.

The LG announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. He assured that the administration is providing all possible assistance and medical facilities to the affected families.

In response to the accident, District Magistrate Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, has ordered a magisterial inquiry to determine the cause. The Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Jammu is expected to submit a report within seven days. "Other officers have also been tasked to provide necessary assistance," DM Vaishya noted in a statement.

Political leaders from various parties have expressed their sorrow and extended condolences to the bereaved families.

SRINAGAR — Security forces successfully thwarted an infiltration attempt along the International Border in the Khour sector of Akhnoor, resulting in the elimination of a militant.

An official, while speaking to a local news agency, disclosed that the intervention came following the suspected movement of four militants detected via surveillance devices during the intervening night.

He said that swift and precise measures were implemented, resulting in effective suppression of the infiltration bid. "Visual evidence confirms terrorists attempting to retreat, seen dragging one body back across the International Border," the official stated.

The security forces' swift action prevented the group's infiltration, with one intruder neutralized during the encounter.

JAMMU — The Akhnoor area of Jammu witnessed disquiet following the reported death of a man under suspicious circumstances while in police custody, prompting his family to organize a protest demanding a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

According to a local wire service, a family, accompanied by local residents, lodged a protest outside the PP Jourian following the demise of Sunil Kumar, also known as Sonu. He was identified as the son of Deewan Chand from Garhi Bishna Jourian and allegedly died under dubious circumstances while in police custody at PP Jourian.

The deceased's body has been transferred to the Government Medical College (GMC) for a postmortem examination, as authorities have initiated further inquiries into the incident.

"Family members, alongside locals, have gathered in protest outside PP Jourian, while senior police officers are present at the site," sources stated.