SRINAGAR: In a series of attacks coinciding with the ongoing general elections, a former sarpanch was killed, and a couple from Rajasthan was injured in two separate incidents in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, just two days before the next round of polling.
India is currently in the midst of a prolonged six-week general election. Two parliamentary seats in Kashmir – Baramulla and Anantnag – are scheduled to go to polls on May 20 and May 25 in the fifth and sixth phases respectively.
The former sarpanch, Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, was shot in Hirpora village, Shopian district, and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
In a separate incident, a tourist couple from Rajasthan, identified as Tabriz and his wife Farha, were injured in a terrorist attack in the Yannar area, close to tourist spot of Pahalgam of Anantnag. They were also hospitalized, and the area was cordoned off for searches.
“The area has been cordoned off for searches,” said an official.
These attacks have occurred during the election campaign for the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat, intensifying concerns about security and the safety of voters and candidates.
Voting has already concluded in Udhampur and Jammu on April 19 and 26, respectively, and in Srinagar on May 13. Upcoming polling dates include Baramulla on May 20 and Anantnag-Rajouri on May 25.
Political parties across Jammu and Kashmir have condemned the attacks. Former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, who is contesting from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, expressed her concerns on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the troubling timing of these attacks and questioning the claims of normalcy by the government.
“While we condemn the attack in Pahalgam today that resulted in injuries to two tourists followed by another attack on a (former) sarpanch in Hirpora, Shopian – the timing of these attacks given that the south election was delayed without any reason is a cause of concern. Especially keeping in mind normalcy claims touted by GOI,” she tweeted.
National Conference leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah also condemned the attacks, emphasizing the need for community solidarity to achieve long-term peace in the region. The BJP condemned the killing of Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, recognizing him as a dedicated party member and expressing solidarity with his family.
In a statement, the National Conference said, “They have said that such acts of brutality remain a serious impediment to achieving long-term peace in J-K. They urged all communities to come together in these challenging times and support efforts towards lasting harmony. Their thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult period.”
Last month, a government employee was killed in a targeted attack in Rajouri, and on April 17, a migrant worker from Bihar was shot dead in Anantnag.
—–
Have you liked the news article?