Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Dials J&K L-G, Expresses Concern Over Killings Of Non-Locals In Kashmir

Nitish Kumar has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of all the three deceased.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar (File Photo)

New Delhi: After terrorists shot dead two workers from Bihar and injured another after barging into their accommodation in Kulgam in south Kashmir on Sunday,Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called up Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and expressed concern over the recent killings.

The Sunday incident is the latest in a series of attacks on non-locals prompting the police to direct that all such labourers in the Valley be brought to nearest security camps "immediately".

This is the third terror attack on non-local workers in less than 24 hours. A street vendor from Bihar and a carpenter from Uttar Pradesh were shot dead by the terrorists on Saturday evening.

Kumar spoke to Sinha over the telephone upon learning about the death of the two Bihar labourers. The deceased have been identified as Raja Reshi Dev and Jogindar Reshi Dev, both residents of Bihar. The injured person has been identified as Chun Chun Reshi Dev, reported PTI

The chief minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of all the three deceased and issued instructions to the departments of labour and social welfare to ensure that benefits under relevant schemes reach the bereaved families.

Meanwhile, the BJP has requested a hike in the quantum of ex-gratia, stating that the amount was far lower than even what is being given to victims of accidents and natural disasters in the state.

The party's OBC Morcha national general secretary and state spokesman Nikhil Anand said in a statement, The Jihadis are fighting their last battle and carrying out dastardly attacks out of desperation. They will be taught a lesson by our armed forces and the Narendra Modi government at the Centre.

It is, however, requested that the Bihar government consider raising the ex-gratia. The sum of Rs two lakh is just half of Rs four lakh paid to victims of accidents and natural disasters. We must help members of the bereaved families, which belong to the backward classes and have lost their breadwinners, he said.

The deceased men from Bihar were a symbol of the resilience characteristic of the land and its people, Anand added.

The BJP is the senior partner in the ruling NDA in the state.

Civilian Killings In Kashmir

So far this month, 11 people have lost their lives in shootings targeting civilians.

"Terrorists fired indiscriminately upon #NonLocal labourers at Wanpoh area of #Kulgam. In this #terror incident, 02 non-locals were killed and 01 injured," Kashmir zone Police said on its Twitter handle.

It said police and security forces had cordoned off the area.

The militants entered the rented accommodation of the labourers and fired on them indiscriminately, said a PTI report.

In a message flashed to all district police in the Valley, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar said, "All non-local labourers in your respective jurisdiction should be brought to the nearest police or central paramilitary force or army establishment just now."

"The matter is most urgent," the message to the 10 districts in the Valley said.

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the incident. "I strongly condemn the despicable terror attack on civilians in Kulgam. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of injured. Our security force will give a befitting reply to terrorists. J&K government stand by the families in this time of grief," he said.

Former J&K chief minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said, "Strongly condemn today’s attack on a street vendor who sadly succumbed. Such unfortunate incidents only reinforce the immediate need to reach out to the people of J&K by initiating a constructive dialogue."