Srinagar: An ex-serviceman was killed while two women, including his wife and cousin, sustained gunshot injuries in a terrorist attack in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday, officials said. The attack has been widely condemned.
The terrorists opened fire at Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, his wife and niece in the Behibagh area of the district, officials said.
All three were rushed to a hospital where Wagay succumbed to his injuries, the officials said.
The condition of Aaina Akhtar, 32, wife of Manzoor Ahmed Wagay, and Saina Hameed, 13, daughter of Habibullah Shah is stable. They are undergoing treatment at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag.
Soon after the incident, security forces rushed to the area and launched a search operation to nab the attackers. This is the first killing of an unarmed person in Kashmir this year.
Wagay’s younger brother said that he (Manzoor Ahmad Wagay) used to stay at home after his retirement in 2021.
He said that Manzoor had four daughters and a son, and was the sole breadwinner for the family.
“Our only demand is justice and nothing else… He was running his own business,” he added.
Meanwhile, the attack has been condemned widely.
The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha while strongly condemning the attack said: “I strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack on Shri Manzoor Ahmad Wagay and his family in Kulgam. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief. I have instructed the officials to provide the best possible treatment to the injured. Praying for their speedy recovery. I assure the people that the perpetrators of this cowardly attack will be punished soon.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack and expressed heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family, and prayed for swift recovery of the injured.
He said that such heinous violence has no place in society and must be condemned in strongest words.
Taking to micro-blogging site X, Office of Chief Minister, J&K said: “Deeply saddened by the tragic killing of ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay Sahab in Kulgam. My heartfelt condolences to his family, and prayers for the swift recovery of his injured wife and daughter. Such heinous violence has no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest terms. May peace and justice prevail”.
CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam, M Y Tarigami condemned the attack and urged authorities to ensure best possible treatment to the injured.
“Condemning, in no uncertain terms, the killing of former army man Manzoor Ahmad Wagay in Behibagh . The dastardly attack left his wife and daughter injured. Such attacks won’t serve any purpose. Urging authorities to ensure best possible treatment to the injured,” Tarigami posted on X.
JKPD President, Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the attack and condoled with the bereaved family.
“Terribly saddened to know about the heinous killing of Manzoor Ahmed Waghey by militants in Kulgam today. Deepest condolences to his family & prayers for the swift recovery of his wife & daughter,” Mufti posted on X.
JKPC President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone condemned the attack as a case of senseless violence.
Taking to X, Lone posted: “Condemn the dastardly fatal attack on Manzoor Ahmed in Kulgam today. This is yet another case of senseless violence. Yet another case of adding to the army of widows and orphans. My thoughts with the family. May Allah grant him Jannat”.
Jammu & Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) president Mohammad Altaf Bukhari termed the incident a “cowardly act”. Taking to micro-blogging site X, Bukhari said: “Deeply saddened to hear that terrorists have attacked and killed an ex-Army man and injured his wife and daughter in the Behi Bagh area of Kulgam. The assailants fired on them at point-blank range”.
“This cowardly attack is highly condemnable, and I strongly denounce this heinous act. I have full confidence that our security agencies will swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he said on X.
“Praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul and the swift recovery of the injured mother and daughter,” he added on X.
