Jahangeer Ganaie
Shopian, Oct 15: A Kashmiri Pandit was shot dead by militants in Choudry Gund area in South Kashmir’s Shopian district on Saturday.
An official said that he was fired upon by militants when he was in the lawn of his residential house.
He said that soon after, the injured, identified as Pooran Krishan Bhat son of Tarak Nath Bhat of Choudry Gund, was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital.
He, however, succumbed at the hospital, the official said, adding that the area has been cordoned off to nab the attackers. Pooran’s body was shifted to Jammu for last rites.
Hundreds of locals, mostly Muslims were visiting the area to pay condolences to the bereaved families.
Pooran as per local Pandits has left behind wife and two minors namely Shanu Bhat, a class 4th student and Shriya Bhat, a class 6th student living in Jammu and on their wish, the body of the slain was taken to Jammu.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Central Kashmir, Sujit Kumar, who is also the in charge of South Kashmir range said that initial investigation has suggested that one militant was behind the attack.
Talking to reporters, Kumar said that things are still being worked out as of now and in the initial investigation it has come to fore that one militant was involved in the act. He said that once things will be clear more details will be shared accordingly, but for now investigations are on.
“If any security lapse is found on part of the security guards and any official in charge of the area, action will be taken definitely,” Kumar said.
He also said that the attack has been claimed by the Kashmir Freedom Fighter (KFF) group, proxy name of a militant outfit.
Meanwhile, deputy commissioner Shopian, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, while talking to the reporters said that all assistance is being provided to the pandit family by the government.
He also said that the body of the deceased is being sent to Jammu, where last rites will be done and the administration has made all the arrangements for the same.
