Second murder in Kashmir within 24 hours: Terrorists target constable, fearful Kashmiri Pandits took to the streets, police lathi-charged

Terrorists have once again tried to raise their heads amidst figures of a boom in tourism and a decrease in violent incidents in Kashmir. The security agencies have been challenged by committing 2 murders in 24 hours. The first murder took place on Thursday by a Kashmiri Pandit named Rahul Bhatt, then on Friday, a constable was killed by entering the house.

Kashmiri Pandits took to the streets

Kashmiri Pandits took to the streets to protest against the killing of Rahul. Demonstrations were held from Baramulla in North Kashmir to Qazigund in South Kashmir. After decades, Kashmiri Pandits have taken to the streets in many cities at once. Police resorted to lathi-charge to quell the protest of Pandits who had gathered outside the Sheikhpora transit camp in Budgam. Tear gas shells were fired.

On Friday, Kashmiri Pandits also boycotted government offices. On the other hand, the security forces killed three terrorists in an encounter. Two of these terrorists were involved in the murder of Rahul Bhatt.

Government announces job for Rahul’s wife

The government announced to give government job to Rahul’s wife and to bear the expenses of the daughter’s education. The administration has sacked Kashmir University professor Altaf Hussain, a teacher, Mohammad Maqbool Hajam, and police constable Ghulam Rasool. The professor is accused of having links with Jamaat-e-Islam. The administration claims that Prof. Pandit has gone to Pakistan for terrorist training.

Bereaved family and relatives of Rahul Bhatt. (Photo: PTI)

BJP leaders gherao after Rahul’s funeral

The body of Kashmiri Pandit Rahul Bhatt, who was killed on Thursday, reached Jammu in the early hours. After his funeral, people got angry. Meanwhile, BJP leaders in Jammu were surrounded by people from the Kashmiri Pandit community. BJP leaders including BJP unit chief Ravinder Raina and former deputy CM Kavinder Gupta faced protests. Kashmiri Pandits raised slogans, ‘How long will we continue to be scapegoats, hang Rahul’s killers.’

Tear gas shells were fired to stop the demonstration. Pandit employees working in the administration warned that they would resign collectively if security arrangements were not made for them.