Srinagar: In yet another inhuman act, Pakistan-backed terrorists killed two non-Kashmiri labourers by throwing a grenade at them while they were asleep in Shopian district of South Kashmir.
The labourers, identified as Manish Kumar and Ram Sagar of Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh, were attacked during last night at their rented accommodation in Harmen village, police said.
“Terrorists lobbed hand grenade in Harmen #Shopian in which two labourers from UP namely Manish Kumar & Ram Sagar, both residents of Kanooj (Kannauj), UP got injured. They were shifted to hospital where they succumbed. Area cordoned off,” Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.
In another tweet later, quoting ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar, the police said, “Hybrid #terrorist of proscribed #terrorist outfit LeT Imran Bashir Ganie of Harmen #Shopian who lobbed grenade #arrested by Shopian police. Further #investigation and raids are going on: ADGP Kashmir.”
LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba) is a Pakistan-based terror outfit.
Speaking to the reporters, Kumar said the main attacker was arrested during the night and he has confessed to the crime.
Later, his associate was also arrested, the ADGP said.
They were so-called commanders of LeT Danish and Abid, he said.
Raids are being conducted at the hideouts whose information has been divulged by the arrested terrorists and further investigation is on, the ADGP said.
“A befitting response will be given and those behind the attack will be neutralized soon,” he added.
Kumar acknowledged that non-local labourers are a soft target for terrorists as they don’t have security.
The killing of these two Hindus from UP came three days after Kashmiri Pandit Puran Krishan Bhat was gunned down by terrorists in the same Shopian district.
Also read: Kashmiri Pandit shot dead by terrorists in Valley
Over the last one year, there has been a spate of targeted killings of Kashmiri Pandits and non-locals, including Hindus from other parts of the country.
At least 17 people, including 3 Kashmiri Pandits and 6 non-locals, have been killed by the terrorists this year.
Condemning the killing of the labourers, J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, who also hails from Uttar Pradesh, said the security forces have been directed to launch coordinated counter terror operations.
“Words cannot adequately condemn today’s barbaric terror attack on Manish Kumar and Ram Sagar from Kannauj, UP. My deepest condolence to their families,” the Office of the LG tweeted.
“One terrorist has been arrested & hunt is on for the others. Security apparatus has been directed to launch coordinated CT ops,” the tweet added.
It said the Shopian District administration has deputed senior officers to make arrangements for transportation of the mortal remains to their respective villages with full honours.
