Terror Strikes in J&K Ahead of Crucial Lok Sabha Polls

In a tragic turn of events, the serene valleys of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed two separate terror attacks on Saturday, leaving a former village head dead and a tourist couple critically injured. The incidents unfolded in the districts of Shopian and Anantnag, casting a dark shadow over the region as it gears up for the crucial Lok Sabha polls.

Contents hide

1. The Deadly Attack on a Former Sarpanch

2. Tourists Targeted in Anantnag

3. Timing Raises Concerns

4. Political Reactions and Condemnations

5. Efforts to Maintain Peace and Security

The Deadly Attack on a Former Sarpanch

The first attack occurred in Shopian’s Hirpora area, where terrorists opened fire on Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, a former sarpanch (village head) associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sheikh, a respected figure in the community, succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to a nearby hospital. The BJP condemned the attack, calling Sheikh a “brave soldier” of the party in Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir: Visuals from outside the house of BJP leader and former sarpanch who was shot dead by terrorists yesterday in Shopian. pic.twitter.com/eHLzKvMtV7

— IANS (@ians_india) May 19, 2024

Tourists Targeted in Anantnag

In a separate incident, terrorists struck at a tourist camp in Anantnag’s Pahalgam area, injuring a couple from Jaipur, Rajasthan. Farha and her husband Tabrez were rushed to a hospital in critical condition after the attack. The Kashmir Zone Police promptly cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to apprehend the perpetrators.

Timing Raises Concerns

The twin attacks have raised concerns among political parties and security agencies, as they occurred just days before crucial Lok Sabha polls in the region. The timing of the incidents, with voting scheduled for Baramulla on May 20 and Anantnag-Rajouri on May 25, has sparked fears of attempts to disrupt the democratic process and instill fear among the populace.

Political Reactions and Condemnations

Former chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Farooq Abdullah, along with his son Omar Abdullah, condemned the attacks, expressing their solidarity with the victims and their families. Mufti, who is contesting the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, voiced concerns over the timing of the attacks, given the delay in holding elections in South Kashmir without a clear reason.

Efforts to Maintain Peace and Security

Authorities have intensified efforts to maintain peace and security in the region, with search operations underway to apprehend the perpetrators. The incidents serve as a grim reminder of the challenges faced in ensuring a safe and secure environment for the democratic process to unfold smoothly.

As Jammu and Kashmir braces for the crucial Lok Sabha polls, the twin attacks have cast a pall over the region, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and a united front against forces seeking to disrupt the democratic process through violence and intimidation.