Jaipur couple injured, sarpanch killed in back-to-back terror attacks in Kashmir; search ops launched

• Image Credit: Google

• May 19, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

The BJP extended its support to Sheikh’s family, reaffirming its commitment to combat terrorism...

Digital Desk: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed two separate terror attacks in Shopian and Anantnag districts, resulting in the death of a former BJP sarpanch and injuries to a tourist couple from Jaipur on Saturday. This marked the first attack on tourists in the region this year.

In Shopian’s Hirpora area, terrorists opened fire at Aijaz Sheikh, a former BJP sarpanch, at around 10:30 pm. Sheikh succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, marking a tragic loss for the community. The attack on Sheikh, a notable figure in local politics, underscores ongoing security concerns in the region.

In a separate incident, terrorists targeted a tourist camp in Anantnag’s Yannar area, injuring Farha and her spouse, Tabrez, both residents of Jaipur. The Kashmir Zone Police confirmed the attack on Twitter, stating, “Terrorists fired upon and injured a lady, Farha, a resident of Jaipur, and her spouse, Tabrez, at Yannar, Anantnag. The injured were evacuated to the hospital for treatment. The area was cordoned off.” The swift response by security forces highlights the immediate measures taken to address the situation.

These attacks coincide with the campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, with voting in Baramulla scheduled for May 20. Political leaders across the spectrum condemned the violence. Mehbooba Mufti, former CM, and PDP president, expressed concern over the timing of these attacks amid the election process. National Conference leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah also denounced the brutality, emphasizing the need for unity and peace in the region.

The BJP mourned the loss of Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, describing him as a brave soldier of the party. The BJP extended its support to Sheikh’s family, reaffirming its commitment to combat terrorism.

The incidents have prompted extensive search operations in the affected areas, with security forces working to apprehend the perpetrators. These attacks serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges to peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir.