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Journalism of Courage
Pawan Kumar from Lug Valley of Kangra escaped the terrorist attack on the Himachal Road Transport Corporation bus no. HP 34 A-1032 of Kullu Depot on Tuesday morning.
Pawan was on his way to college in Srinagar when his bus was attacked. Shocked but relieved, Pawan left all his belongings at the site and got home on Wednesday afternoon, and told The Indian Express over the phone how he hid under a bus seat to escape bullets. Pawan struggled for words as he recalled the tragic experience. He said the three militants were young.
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Jammu shuts down
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JAMMU: Hindus and Muslims observed a complete bandh in most parts of Jammu division in protest against the militant attack. Barring stray incidents of stone pelting or burning of tyres, the bandh was peaceful. Markets in Jammu city were deserted as shopkeepers kept shutters down.  You have exhausted your
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Educational institutions too were closed in response to the bandh called by NC, BJP and Congress. Government offices and PSUs were open, but attendance was thin. Pilgrims and tourists had a tough time with hotels and restaurants closed. (ENS) |
‘‘When the three terrorists in military outfits started gunning down innocent bus passengers, I immediately hid myself under a seat. I had no hope but the Almighty saved me,’’ Pawan said.
‘‘It was about 5.45 am. Three persons in military dress, armed with weapons, boarded our bus. Taking them for Army men, the conductor let them in. One sat beside driver, Prem Singh, the other occupied the seat in the back while the third stood near the front door.
‘‘As the bus neared the residential complex of an Army unit, the terrorists stood and asked the driver to stop the bus. They told the passengers to stand and gather at a point. As harried passengers tried to obey, a terrorists shot Prem Singh in the head. The two others started firing at random.’’
