||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh May 19, 2024||

Anantnag:

In a brutal display of violence, terrorists unleashed twin attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday evening, resulting in the death of a former BJP sarpanch and serious injuries to a tourist couple from Jaipur. The coordinated assaults in Shopian and Anantnag have sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting the persistent threat of terrorism in an area striving for peace.

*Ex-BJP Sarpanch Assassinated in Shopian*

The first attack occurred in the Hirpora area of Shopian at approximately 10:30 pm. Aijaz Sheikh, a former BJP sarpanch, was the target. According to officials, terrorists ambushed Sheikh, opening fire and leaving him gravely wounded. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Sheikh’s assassination is a stark reminder of the peril faced by political figures in the volatile region of Jammu and Kashmir.

*Jaipur Couple Injured in Anantnag Attack*

In a separate but almost simultaneous attack, terrorists targeted a tourist camp in Anantnag’s Yannar area. Farha and her husband, Tabrez, a couple from Jaipur, were caught in the crossfire. They were critically injured and swiftly transported to a hospital where they are currently receiving treatment. Their condition remains precarious, casting a shadow over the safety of visitors in the picturesque yet perilous region.

*Immediate Security Response*

In response to these attacks, security forces have cordoned off the affected areas and launched extensive search operations to apprehend the perpetrators. The Kashmir Zone Police confirmed the incidents via Twitter, assuring the public that every effort is being made to restore safety and security in the region.

*Political Reactions and Condemnations*

The twin terror attacks have sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, who is currently contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, voiced her concerns on social media. She highlighted the troubling timing of the attacks, given the ongoing parliamentary campaign, and questioned the government’s claims of normalcy in the region.

National Conference leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah also condemned the attacks, emphasizing the detrimental impact of such violence on the quest for long-term peace in Jammu and Kashmir. They called for unity among all communities to support efforts towards achieving lasting harmony.

The BJP issued a strong statement condemning the murder of Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh. Describing him as a brave soldier of the party, they expressed solidarity with his family and reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism.

*Election Campaigns Amid Turmoil*

These violent incidents come at a critical juncture, with parliamentary polls in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency underway and Baramulla gearing up for voting on May 20. The security of political candidates and the electorate remains a pressing concern as the region grapples with the specter of terrorism.

Over the past month, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a series of terror-related activities and rise in militancy.

These events underscore the relentless efforts by terrorists to destabilize the region, even as security forces and political leaders strive to maintain order and pursue peace. The recent attacks on civilians and political figures serve as a grim reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in the quest for stability in Jammu and Kashmir.