Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Kashmiri unionists condemned the twin militant attacks, which killed a former BJP sarpanch in Shopian and injured a tourist couple from Rajasthan in Pahalgam, two days ahead of the parliamentary polls in Baramulla.
LG said that a free hand has been given to forces to bring the perpetrators to justice and to fight against people aiding militants.
In a press release, LG said: “I am deeply shocked at the brutal killing of former Sarpanch, Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh. He was an exemplary grassroots leader and will be remembered for his selfless service to the people. The heinous attack on tourists at Pahalgam is also distressing. I have already instructed the Administrative & Police officials to provide the best possible treatment to the injured couple. Praying for their speedy recovery.”
“The government has given free hand to the J&K Police and Forces to crush militancy and their associates. I have complete faith in the bravery of our personnel and the perpetrators of this attack will be punished soon.”
Kashmiri unionists, including former chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, also condemned the attacks, stating that the timing of the attacks during elections is concerning.
Former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, said on X, “While we condemn the attack in Pahalgam today that resulted in injuries to two tourists followed by another attack on a (former) sarpanch in Hirpora, Shopian – 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 GOI (Government of India).”
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah andVice President Omar Abdullah said: “Very sorry to hear about the twin militant attacks in South Kashmir against tourists & a political worker of the BJP. I unequivocally condemn these deadly attacks. My condolences to the family of Aijaz Ahmed. May Allah grant him place in Jannt. I also pray that Tabrez & Farah, from Jaipur in Rajasthan, make a complete recovery," Abdullah posted on X.
The BJP in a statement said, “We strongly condemn the killing of ex-sarpanch Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh. He was a brave soldier of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP firmly stands with the family of Aijaz Ahmad.”
