SRINAGAR, Feb 3: In the first report of a civilian fatality this year, terrorists fatally shot an ex-serviceman and left his wife and 13-year-old niece injured in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday, according to officials.
Details indicate that two armed terrorists approached the home of Manzoor Ahmad Wagay in Beehi Bagh, located about 10 kilometers from the district center, and opened fire on his family, which included his wife and niece.
Initial police and army reports suggest that Wagay, a former member of the Territorial Army, was shot multiple times while trying to shield his niece.
The assailants, believed to be associated with the banned group Lashkar-e-Taiba, ambushed Wagay as he returned home. All three victims were rushed to a nearby hospital, but Wagay later succumbed to his injuries.
The police have acknowledged the event and commenced an investigation into the attack.
This incident marks the first attack on a civilian this year, as Wagay had retired from the Territorial Army in 2021. Family sources reported that after leaving military service, Wagay took up livestock rearing.
The assault follows the killing of five terrorists, including the self-styled commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, Farooq Ahmed Bhat, in a recent operation at Kadder in Beehi Bagh, which had effectively decimated Hizbul Mujahideen’s presence in South Kashmir.
Officials suggest that this attack could be a retaliatory measure against the recent operations targeting prominent Hizbul Mujahideen figures.
The attack has provoked widespread outrage, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressing deep condolences for Wagay’s death.
“I am heartbroken by the tragic killing of ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay. My prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, along with best wishes for the speedy recovery of his injured wife and niece. Such heinous acts of violence are unacceptable in our society and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” he stated in a post on X.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also condemned the incident, honoring Wagay’s memory and vowing that those responsible would be brought to justice.
“The nation stands united with the grieving family. I have instructed officials to ensure the injured receive the best possible care and I pray for their swift recovery,” he remarked.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed her sorrow, stating she was “terribly saddened” by Wagay’s death and offered prayers for his family’s recovery.
Altaf Bukhari, president of the Apni Party and former minister, denounced the attack as cowardly.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the terrorist assault that resulted in the death of an ex-Army man and injuries to his wife and daughter in Kulgam. This despicable act is utterly condemnable, and I am confident that our security agencies will swiftly apprehend the culprits and ensure justice is served,” he stated.
Kulgam MLA and veteran CPM leader M Y Tarigami strongly condemned the killing of ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay in Behibagh, highlighting that the attack left his wife and daughter injured. “Such acts serve no purpose. I urge the authorities to guarantee the best treatment for the injured,” he emphasized. (Agencies)
