In a tragic incident, two village defence guards were kidnapped and shot dead by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district. This attack comes in the wake of a grenade explosion at a Sunday market in Srinagar that left 12 people injured. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has appealed to security forces to take swift action and put an end to the recent spate of attacks in the Union Territory.
Terrorism Resurges in Kishtwar: Two Village Defence Guards Killed
In a chilling reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, two village defence guards (VDGs) were brutally kidnapped and shot dead in the Kishtwar district of the union territory.
Background
Village defence guards are civilians who volunteer to assist local police and security forces in counter-insurgency operations. They play a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in rural areas. However, they have often been targeted by terrorists intent on undermining the government's authority.
The Attack
On June 29, 2023, two VDGs, namely Rajinder Kumar and Dheeraj Parihar, were abducted by unidentified gunmen from their house in the village of Sathu. The terrorists took them to the nearby Drabshalla forests and shot them dead.
Investigation and Response
Security forces immediately launched a search operation and cordoned off the area. The bodies of the deceased VDGs were recovered, and a massive manhunt was initiated to apprehend the perpetrators.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack and vowed to take swift action against the terrorists. He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and appealed for calm.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Who are the suspects behind the attack?
The identity of the terrorists responsible for the attack is still unknown. However, security officials believe that they belong to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) or Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror groups.
2. What is the motive behind the attack?
The terrorists may have targeted the VDGs to intimidate and demoralize the civilian population. They could also be sending a message to the government that they remain a potent threat.
3. What measures are being taken to prevent further attacks?
Security forces have increased patrols and checkpoints in the area. They are also working closely with local intelligence agencies to gather information on potential threats.
4. What is the history of terrorism in Kishtwar?
Kishtwar has been relatively peaceful in recent years. However, the district has witnessed sporadic incidents of terrorism in the past, particularly during the peak of the insurgency in the 1990s and early 2000s.
5. What is the impact of the attack on locals?
The attack has sent shockwaves through the local community. People fear that the peace they have enjoyed in recent years could be under threat. It has also raised concerns about the safety of village defence guards.
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