LG Sinha, CM Omar strongly condemn attack
STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: In the first non-combatant killing of the year, terrorists shot dead an ex-serviceman and injured his wife and 13-year-old niece in an attack in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday, officials said here.
Details so far indicate that two terrorists armed with pistols arrived at the residence of Manzoor Ahmad Wagay in Beehi Bagh, approximately 10 kilometers from the district headquarters, and opened fire on his family members, which included his wife and niece.
According to initial statements recorded by police and army officials, Wagay, a former member of the Territorial Army, sustained additional bullet wounds while attempting to protect his niece.
The terrorists, believed to be from banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, fired upon Wagay as he returned home, and all three victims were rushed to a nearby hospital, where Wagay succumbed to injuries.
Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated an investigation into the attack.
The officials said that Monday’s attack could possibly be an act of revenge for gunning down the top cadres of the Hizbul Mujahideen in December last year.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attack on Ex-Serviceman and his family in Kulgam. He paid homage to Manzoor Ahmad Wagay martyred in the terrorist attack.
“I strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack on Manzoor Ahmad Wagay and his family in Kulgam. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief. I have instructed the officials to provide the best possible treatment to the injured. Praying for their speedy recovery. I assure the people that the perpetrators of this cowardly attack will be punished soon”, the Lieutenant Governor said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed his sorrow over the attack.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic killing of ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay. My heartfelt condolences to his family, and prayers for the swift recovery of his injured wife and niece. Such heinous violence has no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” he said in a post on X.
Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed her condolences, saying she was “terribly saddened” by Wagay’s death and offered prayers for the recovery of his wife and niece.
Altaf Bukhari, president of the Apni Party and former minister, denounced the attack, labelling it a cowardly act.
“I am deeply saddened to hear that terrorists have attacked and killed an ex-Army man and injured his wife and daughter in Kulgam. This attack is highly condemnable, and I have full confidence that our security agencies will swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he added.
Sat Sharma, President, Jammu and Kashmir BJP, condemned the ghastly act of terrorists.
Sat, said that the attack on the former soldier Manzoor Ahmad Wagay and his family members reflect the frustration of the terrorists and their bosses, who sit across the border. Nobody, who is involved in the heinous crime would be spared by our brave security forces, said Sat Sharma.
Sat Sharma said that under the Modi government, Jammu & Kashmir has been progressing with the focus on peace and prosperity, which is not palatable to certain. But the Modi government is committed to a zero tolerance policy towards terrorism and the terrorists involved in the act would be neutralized soon.