A migrant worker from Bihar has been shot dead by terrorists in a targeted attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, officials said on Wednesday.
The Kashmir Zone Police posted on X that the worker, identified as Raju Shah, was rushed to a hospital but died during treatment. “The injured person, who was shot at by #terrorists, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Search #operation underway in the area. Further details to follow. @JmuKmrPolice,” the post read.
An earlier post from the handle had said Shah was shot in Zablipora in Anantnag’s Bijbehara.
The attack comes barely a week after a resident of Dehradun was shot at by terrorists in south Kashmir’s Herpora last Monday. Dilranjeet Singh survived the attack. Two workers from Punjab had also been shot dead in Srinagar in February and a Pakistan link had emerged later, following the arrest of a terrorist.
While such attacks have decreased in frequency this year because of the crackdown on militancy, the latest killing comes at a time when campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections is approaching its peak in Anantnag, which will vote on May 7. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and Mian Altaf Ahmed of the National Conference are expected to file their nomination for the constituency on Thursday.
Condemning the attack, Ms Mufti posted on X, “Condemn this senseless act of violence. My deepest condolences to his family.”
The National Conference also denounced the killing. “JKNC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and VP @OmarAbdullah express shock and sadness at the news of Rajshah Ji’s death, who succumbed to grievous injuries after being shot at in Bijbehara today. They vehemently condemn the attack, emphasizing that such acts of terror hinder peace in J&K,” the party’s handle posted on X.
Earlier on Wednesday, two suspected terrorists were arrested from Bijbehara and arms and ammunition were recovered from them.
“On specific Intelligence input, a joint operation was launched by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice on 17 Apr at Naina, Bijbehara in Anantnag. Two suspected individuals have been apprehended along with the recovery of one Weapon, one Hand Grenade and other war-like stores,” the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps posted on X.