Kashmiri Pandit Shot Dead, Another Injured In Shopian

DGP, ADGP Visit South Kashmir District, Review Security Situation; LG Inquires About Health Of Injured In Army Hospital

Suspected militants shot dead a Kashmiri Pandit and injured another in Chotigam area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district on Tuesday, officials said.

They said militants fired upon the duo, Pertimber Nath Bhat son of Arjun Nath Bhat and Sunil Kumar Bhat son of Sri Ji Bhat, while they were working in an apple orchard.

Sunil died on the spot or on way to hospital while Pertimber was immediately shifted to nearby hospital for treatment, they said. A police officer told GNS that Pertimber was later shifted to Army Hospital Srinagar.

“At about 1130 hours, Police received information about an incident at Chotipora area of Shopian where (militants) had fired upon civilians. Senior police officers alongwith reinforcement reached at the spot,” police said in a statement to GNS.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that (militants) had fired upon two civilians in an apple orchard at Chotipora area of Shopian. In this incident, two civilians identified as Pertimber Nath Bhat son of Arjun Nath Bhat and Sunil Kumar Bhat son of Sri Ji Bhat, both residents of Chotigam Shopian belonging to minority community received critical gunshot injuries,” he said, adding, “Both the injured were immediately shifted to hospital where one of the injured persons Sunil Kumar Bhat succumbed to his injuries, however, the condition of other injured person is stated to be stable.”

Police has registered a case in this regard under relevant sections of law, he said.

He said investigation is in progress and officers continue to work to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

DGP J&K Dilbag Singh and ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar visited Shopian and reviewed security meeting in which DIG SKR, Army’s Sector Commander, DIG CRPF, COs and SP Shopian participated.

Addressing the meeting the DGP said that militants’ and their “masters across the border” unhappy with the fast growing peace in J&K have once again targeted the innocents.

He said that those involved in the incident would be brought to justice. The DGP directed the officers to revisit the security plans of their respective jurisdictions and to remain extra alert.

“Pakistan and its agencies are constantly conspiring to create disturbance in J&K with an intention of creating an atmosphere of fear among the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, “He stressed for intensified cordon and search operations to track down the (militants) and their support system.”

He directed the officers to further strengthen and augment the intelligence as well as security grids in their respective areas for the safety and security of the people.

The DGP directed for increased patrolling and area dominations to restrict the militant activities, the spokesperson said. “All the suspicious elements that are providing any kind of support to (militant) activities should be kept under radar,” DGP directed. He stressed for stringent action against the elements found involved in “anti peace” activities.

“During the meeting the DGP reiterated the importance of maintaining close synergy between the J&K Police and other agencies to meet the security challenges. “

He also directed the officers to brief their respective officers and personnel on a regular basis.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha visited the Army Hospital and inquired about the health of Pitambar Nath Pandit.

“(Militants) fired upon civilians in an apple orchard in Chotipora area of Shopian. One person died and one injured. Both belong to minority community. Injured person has been shifted to hospital. Area cordoned off. Further details shall follow,” police said in a tweet.