Parties in chorus to criticise killing of J&K ex-sarpach

SRINAGAR: Scores of people participated in the funeral prayers of a former sarpanch of the BJP, Ajaz Sheikh, who was killed in his native village of Herpora in Shopian of southern Kashmir late Saturday evening. Around the same time on Saturday, unidentified gunmen opened fire on a tourist couple from Rajasthan in Yanier area near the famous tourist spot of Pahalgam. Both of them are stated to be stable.

Locals claim that four attackers had come to Sheik’s house and two of them barged inside and opened fire at Sheikh who has been a vocal advocate of BJP’s policies in Kashmir.

Political parties, across the spectrum, condemned the attack but questioned the timing of such attacks as Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency is going for polls on May 25.

Former chief minister of J&K Mehbooba Mufti, who is contesting from Anantnag-Rajouri where the incidents happened, questioned the timing of these attacks. “The timing of these attacks, given that the South election was delayed without any reason, is a cause of concern, especially keeping in mind the normalcy claims touted by the GoI,” said Mufti.

“The killing of BJP’s former sarpanch is a highly condemnable act. No one deserves to be killed for his/her political ideology. These acts should have no place in society,” said Ruhullah Mehdi of National Conference, who is the party’s candidate from Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency. “I would also want to ask a question which genuinely concerns me. What was the purpose of the Home Minister’s visit a few days ago? HM’s visit should ensure a better security situation. Why has the situation worsened after his visit?” Mehdi said.J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also strongly condemned the attacks in Shopian and Pahalgam stating that a free hand has been given to the security forces to bring the perpetrators to justice.”He was an exemplary grassroots leader and will be remembered for his selfless service to the people. I have complete faith in the bravery of our personnel and the perpetrators of this attack will be punished soon. Our security forces will also hunt down those elements who are helping the terrorists and trying to disrupt J&K’s journey of development,” said Sinha.