New Delhi: In yet another case of targeted killing in Jammu and Kashmir, Sarpanch Manzoor Ahmed Bangroo was shot dead by terrorists in Gaushbug Pattan area of Baramulla district on Friday.
According to ANI, the sarpanch was shot in an apple orchard outside his residence and was brought to the hospital, where he was declared brought dead on arrival.
In Goshbug area of Pattan in Baramulla district, terrorists opened fire on independent sarpanch Manzoor Ahmed, injuring him seriously. He was taken to hospital where doctors declared him brought dead: J&K Police
— ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2022
Condemning the terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “The perpetrators of this heinous act will be punished. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief.”
A police spokesman said that a case under relevant sections of the law has been registered in the murder of the sarpanch.
“Investigation is on and officials are working to establish the full circumstances of this terror crime. The area has been cordoned off and search is on,” he said.
While the identity of the terrorists is unknown, it comes on the back of a series of civilian killings that have rocked the union territory this month.
Bangru is the second victim of targeted killing of civilians by terrorists in three days. Local Rajout Satish Singh was shot dead in Kulgam district on Wednesday.
National Conference leader and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the endless series of violence is heart-wrenching.
Abdullah said in a tweet, “Another targeted murder, another family in mourning this evening. This endless series of violence is heartbreaking. My condolences to the family of Manzoor Bangru. May they find a place in heaven.”
A PDP spokesperson tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the news of the killing of a sarpanch in Pattan, Manzoor Ah Bangru. Even after several security assessments, why are sarpanches being killed by tying them to a secure residence in Srinagar,” PDP’s spokesperson tweeted. A spokesperson tweeted.
BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur condemned the “brutal killing” of Bangru. “The gruesome act, even in the fasting month of Ramzan, terrorists have no religion and no mercy,” he said.