A Kashmiri Pandit was shot dead by terrorists at an apple orchard in Shopian district today. His brother was injured in the firing, police said.
According to the police, the Kashmiri Pandit who died has been identified as Sunil Kumar and his brother has been identified as Pitambar who is currently in the hospital undergoing treatment. Cops say Sunil Kumar, who was shot at by terrorists died on the spot. Reports suggest that both the brothers were non-migrants and were staying at their ancestral village when the terrorists opened fire at them.
This comes about three months after the killing of a Kashmiri Pandit at a government office in Budgam sparked widespread protests by the community. Since then, over 5000 Kashmiri Pandit employees are not attending their duties, fearing targeted attacks. They are demanding relocation to Jammu till the time situation in the Valley improves.
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Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and political leaders cutting across party lines on Tuesday condemned the killing of the Kashmir Pandit in the Shopian district.
“Pained beyond words on the despicable terror attack on civilians in Shopian. My thoughts are with the family of Sunil Kumar. Praying for a speedy recovery of the injured. The attack deserves the strongest condemnation from everyone. Terrorists responsible for the barbaric act will not be spared,” Mr. Sinha tweeted.National Conference leader Omar Abdullah also condemned the killing.
“Terribly sad news from South Kashmir today. An accident and a militant attack have left a trail of death and suffering. I condemn the militant attack in Shopian unequivocally in which Sunil Kumar was killed and Pinto Kumar injured. My condolences to the family,” he said.
Condemning the killing, Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone tweeted, “Yet another dastardly attack by coward terrorists in Shopian. We strongly condemn this heinous act of violence. My condolences to the family.”
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