Omar, Bukhari, Cong condemn killing
Umaisar Gul
Anantnag, June 8: Suspected militants on Monday shot dead a Congress Sarpanch in Lukbawan Larkipora area of Anantnag district, officials said.
A senior police officer told KNO that militants fired at Ajay Pandita, a Sarpanch of Lokbowan Halqa, son of Warka Nath Koul, leaving him seriously wounded.
“He was taken to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag for treatment,” he said, adding that soon after reaching the hospital, the Sarpanch was declared brought dead. The deceased was associated with Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC).
Principal GMC Anantnag Dr Showkat Jeelani said that Pandita was declared brought dead. Meanwhile, the area has been cordoned off to nab the attackers.
Omar, Bukhari, Congress condemn killing
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and Congress have condemned the killing of a Congress sarpanch by gunmen.
Vice President of the National Conference (NC) Omar in a tweet said “ Very sorry to hear about the killing of sarpanch Ajay Pandita in Anantnag earlier this afternoon. I unequivocally condemn this terror attack on a grassroots political worker & pray that his soul rests in peace”.
Bukhari in a statement this evening termed the killing as a dastardly act by the elements inimical to peace and prosperity of J&K. “Violence in any of its manifestations begets violence and this vicious cycle needs an end so that the people of J&K who have suffered a lot in the last many decades live in peace and harmony,” Bukhari remarked.
The JKAP president said the slain Sarpanch was elected by the people and was working to redress the day-to-day grievances of his electorate. “Killing an unarmed grass root social activist is a cowardly act which can never be acceptable to any civilized society,” Bukhari said, while expressing solidarity with the bereaved family.
In view of today’s incident, the JKAP president urged the government to go for a thorough review of security of all Panchayat representatives and other political workers in J&K.
Meanwhile, JKAP leader and former legislator Vijay Bakaya also condemned the killing of Pandita urging the government to order a thorough probe into the incident. “The killing of Sarpanch at Anantnag is highly unfortunate and the government should bring the culprits to book,” he added.
JKPCC strongly condemned the killing of its party Sarpanch and demanded stern action against the killers.
The party in a statement described the killing of Ajay Bharti as mindless and shameful act and demanded exemplary punishment to the killers.
The party demanded adequate security cover to Panchs, Sarpanchs, BDC Chairmen and other leaders to ensure safety of their lives and family.
