'Condemnable Attack': Leaders On Kashmiri Pandit's Killing In Shopian, Terror Outfit 'Kashmir Freedom Fighters' Claims Responsibility

Civilian Shot Dead In J&K: Terror outfit Kashmir Freedom Fighters has claimed responsibility for the killing. Various political leaders condemned the incident.

The Body Of Kashmiri Pandit, Puran Krishan Bhat Reaches His Residence

Source : ANI

The body of Kashmiri Pandit, Puran Krishan Bhat reached his residence in Jammu. Hours after he was shot dead in Shopian district on Saturday, news agency ANI reported. 

Jammu and Kashmir | The body of Kashmiri Pandit, Puran Krishan Bhat reaches his residence in Jammu.

Terrorists fired upon him today while he was on his way to an orchard in Chowdari Gund, Shopian. pic.twitter.com/VfVwv7ggv4

— ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2022

Terror outfit Kashmir Freedom Fighters has claimed responsibility for the killing, said Jammu and Kashmir Police, news agency ANI reported. 

Earlier in the day, terrorists opened fire on a civilian identified as Puran Krishan Bhat in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, killing him. Puran Krishan, a Kashmiri Pandit, was attacked near his home in the Chowdhary Gund area of the south Kashmir district, according to officials quoted by the news agency PTI.

A close relative of the family of Puran Bhat stated that, "He left behind 2 little children. He was the breadwinner. Now he's no more. Everything is finished. It's targetted killing. They don't kill just anyone who comes before them but those whom they don't like. They don't want Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir," ANI reported.

He left behind 2 little children. He was the breadwinner. Now he's no more. Everything is finished. It's targetted killing. They don't kill just anyone who comes before them but those whom they don't like. They don't want Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir: Brother-in-law of Puran Bhat pic.twitter.com/SnbfCkXby8

— ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2022

Following the incident, several political leaders condemned the civilian killing in Shopian. 

Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, condemned the terrorist killing of a Kashmiri Pandit in the Shopian district and promised that the perpetrators would face harsh punishment.

"Attack on Puran Krishan Bhat by terrorists in Shopian is adastardly act of cowardice. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved family. Iassure the people that the perpetrators and those aiding and abetting terrorists will be severely punished," he said in a tweet.

Attack on Puran Krishan Bhat by terrorists in Shopian is a dastardly act of cowardice. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved family. I assure the people that the perpetrators and those aiding and abetting terrorists will be severely punished.

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) October 15, 2022

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti slamming BJP stated, "BJP failed to provide security to Kashmiri Pandits living in Valley, but would "sell" their blood for securing votes," news agency PTI reported. 

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti says BJP failed to provide security to Kashmiri Pandits living in Valley, but would "sell" their blood for securing votes

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 15, 2022

"Another reprehensible attack. I unequivocally condemn this attack in which Pooran Krishan Bhat has lost his life. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family. May Pooran ji’s soul rest in peace," Former chief minister Omar Abdullah. 

Another reprehensible attack. I unequivocally condemn this attack in which Pooran Krishan Bhat has lost his life. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family. May Pooran ji’s soul rest in peace. https://t.co/HytQmNYWPW

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) October 15, 2022

Ravinder Raina, J&K BJP chief stated that, "Conspiracies of Pakistan & terrorists will be made unsuccessful. Those who conspired to target a Kashmiri Pandit will have to bear the brunt. Army-Police have put up check nakas. Conspiring terrorists will be turned to dust," news agency ANI reported. 

Conspiracies of Pakistan & terrorists will be made unsuccessful.Those who conspired to target a Kashmiri Pandit will have to bear the brunt. Army-Police have put up check nakas. Conspiring terrorists will be turned to dust: J&K BJP chief on Puran Krishan Bhat killed by terrorists pic.twitter.com/QT5kJwYMgM

— ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2022

Former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, "A particular community has been targetted earlier too. Natural to be concerned if peace process halts like this. They're trying to disrupt Govt's efforts to rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandits. Hope, security forces find a solution."

A particular community has been targetted earlier too.Natural to be concerned if peace process halts like this.They're trying to disrupt Govt's efforts to rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandits.Hope, security forces find a solution: Ex-J&K Dy CM, K Gupta on Puran Bhat killed by terrorists pic.twitter.com/M2ypAZIj8J

— ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2022

The injured man was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

"Terrorists fired upon a civilian (minority) Puran Krishan Bhat while he wason his way to an orchard in Chowdari Gund, Shopian. He was immediatelyshifted to hospital for treatment where he succumbed," the Jammu and Kashmir police said, ANI reported. 

Further investigation is underway.

(With Inputs From Agencies)