In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves through Jammu and Kashmir, two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) were abducted and killed by terrorists in the Kishtwar district. The bodies of Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, both residents of Kuntwara in Kishtwar, were recovered from forested areas in Ohli Kuntwara after a meticulous operation by the Army and Special Operations Group (SOG). The incident occurred on Thursday when the two VDG members were grazing their cattle in the forest.
The attack has been met with widespread condemnation, with authorities and political leaders expressing their outrage and sorrow. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow and concern over the killings, calling the attack a “cowardly” act that claimed the lives of two innocent men. He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and urged security forces to take swift action to prevent such attacks in the future.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha also condemned the heinous attack, reiterating the government’s determination to combat terrorism in the region. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and vowed to destroy all terror outfits and avenge the barbaric act.
The attack on the VDG members comes amid ongoing security concerns in the region, as authorities continue to battle insurgent activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces are on high alert, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for this latest attack.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma expressed serious concerns over the increasing number of terror incidents in the region, accusing the BJP-led central government of failing to address the security challenges. He claimed that under the current Union Territory status of Jammu and Kashmir, the central government had not made significant strides in curbing terrorism. Sharma criticized the government’s focus on issues like terrorism, unemployment, and the restoration of statehood.
The recovery of the bodies of the two VDG members follows an intensive joint search operation carried out by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Indian Army. A large-scale cordon-and-search operation is ongoing in Kishtwar as authorities work to capture the terrorists behind the killings. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by the region and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive counter-terrorism measures to ensure the safety and security of civilians.
