In a disturbing event that has shocked Jammu and Kashmir, two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) were abducted and murdered by terrorists in Kishtwar district. Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, residents of Kuntwara, were found dead in the dense forests of Ohli Kuntwara after a thorough search operation conducted by the Indian Army and the Special Operations Group (SOG). The tragic incident took place on Thursday when the two VDG members were tending to their cattle in the forest.
The killings have sparked widespread condemnation across political and security circles. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, condemned the attack as a “cowardly” act and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He urged authorities to take stronger measures to prevent such violent incidents in the future.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also denounced the brutal attack, reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism in the region. He extended his heartfelt sympathies to the victims’ families and vowed to take decisive action against terrorist groups responsible for the bloodshed.
This attack on VDG members comes amid heightened security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir, as authorities continue to face insurgency challenges in the region. Security forces are on high alert, and an extensive manhunt is underway to apprehend the perpetrators.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma criticized the government’s handling of security issues, pointing to an increase in terror-related incidents under the current Union Territory status. Sharma accused the BJP-led central government of neglecting critical security reforms, including tackling terrorism and unemployment, while pushing for the restoration of statehood.
The recovery of the bodies followed a joint search operation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Indian Army. Authorities have launched an ongoing cordon-and-search mission in Kishtwar, aiming to capture those behind this deadly attack. This incident underscores the urgent need for robust counter-terrorism strategies to ensure the safety of civilians and restore peace to the region.
