Terrorists Kill Ex-Serviceman In J-K's Kulgam, Wife And Niece Injured. CM Omar Condemns 'Heinous Violence'

In Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam, an ex-serviceman was killed in a terrorist attack, while his wife and niece were injured. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed shock and condemned the violence.

An undated photo of Manzoor Ahmad Wagay who was killed in a militant attack, in Kulgam district. | Army personnel during a search operation after Wagay was killed.

Source : PTI

In the first non-combatant killing of the year, terrorists shot dead an ex-serviceman and injured his wife and 13-year-old niece in an attack in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday, officials said. According to initial reports, two terrorists armed with pistols arrived at the residence of Manzoor Ahmad Wagay in Behibagh, approximately 10 kilometres from the district headquarters, and opened fire on his family members, including his wife and niece.

Officials said Wagay, a former Territorial Army member, sustained additional bullet wounds while attempting to protect his niece, news agency PTI reported.

The terrorists, believed to be affiliated with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, targeted Wagay as he returned home. All three victims were rushed to a nearby hospital, where Wagay succumbed to his injuries. Police have taken cognisance of the attack and launched an investigation.

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X, “Deeply saddened by the tragic killing of ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay. My heartfelt condolences to his family, and prayers for the swift recovery of his injured wife and niece. Such heinous violence has no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”

Deeply saddened by the tragic killing of ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay Sahab in Kulgam. My heartfelt condolences to his family, and prayers for the swift recovery of his injured wife and daughter. Such heinous violence has no place in our society and must be condemned in the…

— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) February 3, 2025

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also condemned the attack, paying homage to Wagay and assuring that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. “The entire nation stands in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief. I have instructed officials to provide the best possible treatment to the injured and pray for their speedy recovery,” he said, as per PTI.

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed her condolences, stating she was “terribly saddened” by Wagay’s killing and prayed for the recovery of his wife and niece.

Apni Party president and former minister Altaf Bukhari denounced the attack as a cowardly act. “I am deeply saddened to hear that terrorists have attacked and killed an ex-Army man and injured his wife and daughter in Kulgam. This attack is highly condemnable, and I have full confidence that our security agencies will swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he said.

Veteran CPI(M) leader and Kulgam MLA M Y Tarigami also condemned the attack. “Condemning, in no uncertain terms, the killing of former (Territorial) Army man Manzoor Ahmad Wagay in Behibagh. The dastardly attack left his wife and daughter injured. Such attacks won’t serve any purpose. Urging authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured,” he posted.

The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army issued a statement on X, “In a cold-blooded incident at Behibagh, Wuzur, Kulgam, three innocent citizens—Manzoor Ahmed Wagay (ex-serviceman, 39), wife Aaina Akhtar (32), and niece Saina Hameed (13)—were shot at by terrorists. Manzoor succumbed to his injuries, while the others have been evacuated to District Hospital Anantnag. The cowardly act of terror on unarmed citizens was perpetrated by inimical elements who do not want peace and prosperity, which defines Kashmir today, to flourish. In this dastardly act of terror, even the innocent woman and child were not spared. A joint cordon and search operation has been launched at Behibagh.”

"In a cold blooded incident at Behibagh, Wuzur, Kulgam three innocent citizens Manzoor Ahmed Waghey (Ex Serviceman, 39), wife Mrs Aaina Akhtar (32) and niece Miss Saina Hameed (13) were shot at by terrorists. Manzoor succumbed to his injuries, while the others have been evacuated… pic.twitter.com/wA5gvMehvE

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 3, 2025

Jammu & Kashmir: Security Heightened In Kulgam After Attack

A search operation has been launched by security forces to capture the assailants, with the area being cordoned off. Authorities also revealed that the ex-serviceman had retired from the Territorial Army about five years ago and was managing his private business in the region. This marks the first terrorist attack in the Kashmir Valley in 2025.

VIDEO | Security forces launched a search operation after an ex-serviceman was killed while two women, including his wife and cousin, sustained gunshot injuries in a terrorist attack in Kulgam earlier today.

(Note: Visuals deferred by unspecified time.) pic.twitter.com/eHErjjD2jD

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 3, 2025

Following the incident, security arrangements in the area have been heightened.

#WATCH | J&K: Ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay shot dead by terrorists in Behibagh area of south Kashmir's Kulgam. His wife and daughter injured. Visuals from the area as security personnel conduct security checks.

(Visuals deferred by unspecified time) https://t.co/Sg5qE7EhZV pic.twitter.com/HX2UoqFmpl

— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2025

According to PTI, security officials stated that Wagay had retired from the Territorial Army in 2021 and was engaged in livestock rearing. Monday’s attack marks the first civilian killing in the Kashmir Valley this year. The incident has heightened concerns, as it comes more than a month after security forces killed five terrorists, including Hizbul Mujahideen’s self-styled commander Farooq Ahmed Bhat, in an encounter at Kadder, Behibagh.

Speaking about the killing, the victim's younger brother urged for justice. He told ANI, "... He used to stay at home. He retired in 2021... Our only demand is that we want justice and nothing else... He was running his own business..."

He revealed that the deceased had four daughters and was the only earning member of the family.

#WATCH | Kulgam: Ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay's younger brother says, "... He used to stay at home. He retired in 2021... Our only demand is that we want justice and nothing else... He was running his own business..." pic.twitter.com/IbefM81WOv

— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2025

Officials suspect the latest attack may be an act of revenge for the December encounter, which significantly weakened the Hizbul Mujahideen’s presence in South Kashmir, PTI reported.