Srinagar, May 19 (UNI) The mainstream political parties have condemned the twin militant attacks on late Saturday evening in which a former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sarpanch was killed and a Rajasthan couple was injured in south Kashmir.
A former BJP Sarpanch, Aijaz Ahmad, was shot dead by unidentified militants at Herpora in Shopian district, while a Rajasthan couple, Tabrez and Farah, were shot and injured at Yannar Pahalgam in Anantnag district of south Kashmir. The injured are undergoing treatment in a hospital.
The twin attacks took place hours after the poll campaigning for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat in Jammu and Kashmir ended.
A pall of gloom descended on Ahmed’s village, and family members and locals were seen veiling during his funeral procession.
A video of Ahmed, which was shared by BJP Media Cell Kashmir on X, showed him telling the media that he was a former stone pelter and giving credit for his transformation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
His killing has triggered widespread condemnation.
“Very sorry to hear about the twin militant attacks in South Kashmir against tourists and a political worker of the BJP. I unequivocally condemn these deadly attacks. My condolences to the family of Aijaz Ahmed. May Allah grant him a place in Jannat. I also pray that Tabrez and Farah, from Jaipur in Rajasthan, make a complete recovery,” National Conference Vice President Omar posted on X.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti, while condemning the incidents, said, “The timing of these attacks given that the south election was delayed without any reason is a cause of concern, especially keeping in mind normalcy claims touted by the Government of India.”
BJP J&K president Ravinder Raina blamed Pakistani terrorists for the attack.
“Coward Pakistani terrorists once again bleed humanity in Kashmir. The martyrdom of BJP Leader #Ajaz_Ahmad_Sheikh Sahib in Shopian (Kashmir) will not go in vain. Culprits will be taken to task at any cost. My heartfelt condolences to the family members. RIP,” Raina posted on X.
The Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) leader Ghulam Nabi Azad termed these acts of violence “against humanity and must be denounced by all.” “The government must take this seriously; this must stop,” he posted on X.
Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Lone strongly condemned the killing of Sarpanch Aijaz Ahmed in Shopian and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.
“May his family find the strength to bear this loss. May Allah grant him Jannat,” Sajad posted on X.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader M.Y. Tarigami, while strongly condemning the militant attacks in Shopian and Anantnag areas, said, “Violence is not a solution, but rather perpetuates suffering and instability.”
