Baramulla: A Sarpanch was shot dead by militants in Goshbugh Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday evening.
Locals said Sarpanch Manzoor Ahmad Bangroo, son of Mohammad Sadiq of Goshbugh area of Pattan fired at in an orchard. He was taken to hospital where doctors declared him as brought dead.
A police official while confirming the incident said that entire area has been cordoned off and a manhunt has been launched to trace the attacker(s).
Kashmir police zone in a tweet said that the Sarpanch has been killed. “Terrorists fired upon & killed one Manzoor Ahmad Bangroo (an Independent Sarpanch) at Goshbugh area of Pattan, Baramulla. Area has been cordoned off & search to track the involved terrorists is in progress. Further details shall follow,” the police informed.
A case has been registered and investigation taken up, police said.
Condemning the Sarpanch’s killing, Lt. Governor Manoj Singa said, “I strongly condemn the terror attack on Sarpanch, Manzoor Ahmad Bangroo. Perpetrators of this despicable act shall be punished. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief.”
National Conference vice-president and former chief minister Omar Abdullah tweeted: “Another targeted killing, another family in mourning this evening. This unending cycle of violence is heartbreaking. My condolences to the family of Manzoor Bangroo. May he find place in Jannat.”
National Conference also condemned the killing of Sarpanch. “The vicious cycle of violence seems to be unending. May Allah grant him a place in Jannat-ul-Firdous. Condolences to his family and loved ones,” NC said.
“Deeply saddened to know about today’s targeted killing. Condolences to the family. There seems to be no end in sight to the bloodbath in Kashmir. Yet nothing seems to move GOI enough to change its approach towards J&K,” PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said in a tweet.
Condemning the killing, PDP asked: “Even after multiple security assessments, bundling them (PRIs) in secure accommodations in Srinagar, why do sarpanches still continue to be killed?”
“Our sincerest condolences with the family of a Sarpanch Manzoor Ahmad who fell to the bullets in Pattan this evening. The killings of innocent civilians, public representatives is alarming. We condemn this barbaric killing. Prayers for peace to the departed soul,” People Conference said.
Shia leaders and People’s Conference general secretary Imran Raza Ansari in a tweet said, “Unequivocally condemn the killing of Sarpanch Manzoor Bangroo sb in Goushbugh Pattan area of Baramulla. Such heinous killings are meant to deter political activity and disrupt the electoral process. All mainstream parties must in unison speak against the wave of terror!”
BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur told a local news agency that the victim was not affiliated with BJP as is being claimed.
“We condemn this killing in strong terms,” Thakur said.
Apni Party spokesperson while condemning the killing said that the bloodshed would never pave way towards tranquility, and that the violence in all its forms needs to stop.
He said Kashmir has witnessed violence for years together and the people of Kashmir have been used as mere scapegoats for vested interests.
