Kashmiri Pandit shot dead by militants in Shopian

Kashmir Freedom Fighters, which was behind the killing of another Kashmiri Pandit in August, has taken responsibility; protests over murder erupt in the Valley

A Kashmiri Pandit was shot dead by militants in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. The incident is being seen as another targeted killing in the Valley. Puran Krishan Bhat was attacked near his residence in the Chowdhary Gund area of south Kashmir district, the police said, adding that doctors declared Krishan dead after he was brought to Shopian hospital. The area has been cordoned off and a hunt has been launched to nab the assailants, the police added.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sujit Kumar said, “A Kashmiri Pandit Puran ji has been murdered. We are working on the case. KFF [Kashmir Freedom Fighters] has claimed responsibility for it. We won’t say anything for sure about it, yet. A guard was present here.” This comes barely two months after Sunil Kumar, another Kashmiri Pandit was shot dead by terrorists at an apple orchard in Shopian district. He was shot on August 16. It was also claimed by Kashmir Freedom Fighters, an offshoot of Al Badr.

Talking about Saturday’s incident, DIG Kumar said, “In the initial investigation, eyewitnesses said that there was only one person who had targeted him and was in front of him. Nobody has spotted anyone else who might be hiding. Things will be clear, give us some time.” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and political parties condemned the killing.

“Attack on Puran Krishan Bhat by terrorists in Shopian is a dastardly act of cowardice. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. I assure the people that the perpetrators and those aiding and abetting terrorists will be severely punished,” Sinha wrote on Twitter. Political parties also condemned the attack.

“Unequivocally condemn the brazen, cowardly attack on Pooran Krishan Bhat in Shopian, in which he lost his life. Heartfelt commiserations to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” National Conference (NC) tweeted. CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami said the government must ensure foolproof security for the minorities in the valley.

In a statement, BJP General Secretary (Org) Ashok Koul said it was one more cowardly attack on Kashmiri Pandits and “these anti-national elements will never be successful in their wrong doings”. Koul termed the killing as barbaric and offered his condolences to the family. Meanwhile, Kashmiri Pandits were seen protesting on Saturday against the killing of Bhat in Jammu.

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