Srinagar, Feb 3 (PTI): In a shocking act of terror, an ex-serviceman was shot dead, and his wife and 13-year-old niece sustained injuries in an attack in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday. Officials confirmed this as the first non-combatant killing of the year.
According to initial reports, two terrorists armed with pistols stormed the residence of Manzoor Ahmad Wagay in Beehi Bagh, located approximately 10 kilometers from the district headquarters. The assailants opened fire on Wagay and his family members, leaving them critically wounded.
Witness accounts suggest that Wagay, a former member of the Territorial Army, attempted to shield his young niece, sustaining additional bullet wounds in the process. The terrorists, suspected to be linked to the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit, attacked Wagay as he returned home. All three victims were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where Wagay succumbed to his injuries.
Police have launched an investigation into the attack, which marks the first civilian killing in Kashmir this year. Wagay had retired from the Territorial Army in 2021 and had since taken up livestock rearing.
Possible Retaliation for Hizbul Mujahideen Crackdown
Security officials suspect that the attack could be a retaliatory act following a major operation in December 2023, where five terrorists, including top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Farooq Ahmed Bhat, were killed in Beehi Bagh. That encounter had significantly weakened the militant group’s presence in South Kashmir.Political and Public Outrage
The gruesome attack has drawn widespread condemnation across political circles.Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic killing of ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay. My heartfelt condolences to his family, and prayers for the swift recovery of his injured wife and niece. Such heinous violence has no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also condemned the attack, assuring justice for the victims. “The entire nation stands in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief. I have instructed officials to provide the best possible treatment to the injured and pray for their speedy recovery,” he stated.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti echoed similar sentiments, saying she was “terribly saddened” by Wagay’s killing and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari denounced the attack, calling it a “cowardly act” and expressing confidence in security forces to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Kulgam MLA and veteran CPM leader M Y Tarigami strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing, “Such attacks won’t serve any purpose. Authorities must ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.”
Investigation Underway
Police and security agencies have intensified their search for the attackers, with officials vowing a swift response. As the region mourns yet another act of terror, security remains on high alert to prevent further violence.
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