LG condemns killing, vows justice promptly; mainstream leaders express anguish
STATE TIMES NEWS
Srinagar: Terrorists Thursday shot dead a mainstream leader in Kulgam, officials said here.
Ghulam Hassan Lone was shot at by the ultras in his native Devsar area, they said, adding he was rushed to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Police said they have taken cognisance of the incident.
This comes just two days after terrorists shot dead BJP leader Javeed Ahmad Dar in the same district.
Before that, two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists on August 9 barged into the house of a BJP sarpanch in Anantnag district and killed him and his wife.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the killing of Ghulam Hassan Lone, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice very soon.
“Anguished to hear about the terror attack on political leader Shri Ghulam Hassan Lone at Devsar, Kulgam. I strongly condemn this cowardly attack,” the LG tweeted.
“Perpetrators of this heinous act will be brought to justice very soon. My prayers & thoughts with bereaved family in this time of grief,” he added.
Lone’s killing also evoked widespread condemnation from mainstream political parties including the PDP, the National Conference and the People’s Conference.
“Unfortunately there seems to be no end to the spree of political killings in Kashmir. Unreservedly condemn the killing of mainstream leader Ghulam Hassan Lone. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family,” PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti tweeted.
National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah said the “renewed trend” of militants targeting mainstream leaders is “very worrying”.
“Very sorry to hear about the assassination of Ghulam Hassan Lone in Devsar area of South Kashmir. This renewed trend of targeting mainstream politicians by militant outfits is very worrying & I condemn the same in the strongest possible terms. May Allah grant the departed Jannat,” Abdullah tweeted.
National Conference Provincial President Devender Singh Rana, while condemning the killing of Lone, Rana said terrorism has no place in civil society and such a barbaric and inhuman act should be unequivocally condemned by one and all. Rana conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul.
People’s Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone said, “Strongly condemn the killing of @ Ghulam Hassan Lone in Kulgam. Recent spate of attacks on mainstream leaders is worrying.
“Violence only brings miseries to people. Such killings only create more widows and orphans. These heinous acts must cease,” he added.