New Delhi: On the night before the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the region witnessed two terrorist attacks within a span of an hour. These incidents have raised concerns about security and stability in the area.
Attack on Tourists in Anantnag:
In the first incident, terrorists targeted an open tourist camp near Pahalgam in Anantnag. The victims were a couple from Jaipur, Rajasthan, who had come to explore the picturesque valley. The woman, identified as Farah, and her husband, Tabrez, were shot by the assailants. Both sustained critical injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital. Due to the severity of their condition, they were later referred to GMC Anantnag for further medical attention. The area where the attack occurred has been cordoned off, and security forces are conducting investigations.
Assassination of Former Sarpanch:
Shortly after the tourist attack, terrorists struck again, this time targeting Aijaz Ahmed Sheikh, a local BJP leader, in Heerpora, Shopian. The incident occurred around 10:30 PM. Aijaz Ahmed, a former sarpanch, was taken to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. His death has sparked outrage and condemnation from political parties in the region.
Political Reactions:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have expressed solidarity with the family of the deceased former sarpanch. Sajid Yusuf Shah, in charge of the Jammu and Kashmir BJP media cell, strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing Aijaz Ahmed Shaikh’s role as a brave BJP soldier in the region.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti took to social media to express her concern. She questioned the timing of these attacks, especially considering the ongoing elections. The removal of Article 370 has made these elections significant, marking the first time voters head to the polls since its revocation. The Election Commission’s schedule indicates that voting for the Baramulla seat will take place in the fifth phase on May 20, followed by the Anantnag-Rajouri seat in the sixth phase on May 25. Earlier, Udhampur and Jammu witnessed voting on April 19 and 26, respectively, while Srinagar went to the polls on May 13.
