‘Attempt To Defame Kashmiris’: Farooq Abdullah Alleges ‘Conspiracy’ In Targetted Killings Of Civilians In J&K

“These killings are unfortunate and done under a conspiracy. Kashmiris are not involved in these killings. It is an attempt to defame Kashmiris,” he told reporters in Srinagar, PTI reported.

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah. (File Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Asserting the Kashmiris were not involved in the recent civilian killings in the union territory, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said these attacks were carried under a conspiracy to defame the Kashmiris.

“These killings are unfortunate and done under a conspiracy. Kashmiris are not involved in these killings. It is an attempt to defame Kashmiris,” he told reporters in Srinagar, PTI reported.

READ: J&K: Street Hawker From Bihar, Migrant Worker From UP Killed In Fresh Terror Attacks | Key Developments

Abdullah said these killings were an attempt to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in the valley.

Responding to a poser on the National Security Advisor (NSA)-level talks between India and Pakistan, the Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar said any initiative that leads to friendship between the two Asian neighbours is welcome.

“We should pray and hope that there is friendship between the two countries and we can live (in peace),” he added.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha amid a spate of civilian kil lings vowed to avenge every drop of their blood by hunting down the terrorists and their sympathizers.

Reiterating the commitment to fast-paced development of the union territory, he said attempts are being made to disrupt the peace and socio-economic progress of Jammu and Kashmir and the individual growth of people.

“I pay my heartfelt tributes to the martyr civilians and condolences to the bereaved families. We'll hunt down terrorists, their sympathisers and avenge every drop of innocent civilians' blood,” Sinha said in his monthly radio programme ‘Awaam ki Awaaz’, PTI reported.

“We remain committed to fast-paced development and will endeavor to build a prosperous and peaceful UT of J&K,” he added referring to the civilians’ killing by the militants over the past 10 days in the valley.

Urging the people to remember the security personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of duty, the Lieutenant Governor said: “When we light the Deepawali lamps next month, let's light one lamp in remembrance of the martyrs among the security forces who were prematurely snatched from us by the enemies of humanity.”

Earlier on Saturday, two non-locals were shot dead by militants in Srinagar and Pulwama districts. Arvind Kumar Sah, a resident of Bihar’s Banka was shot at by the ultras outside a park at Eidgah in Srinagar. In another incident, militants fired at and critically injured Saghir Ahmad, a carpenter hailing from Uttar Pradesh, in Pulwama district.

Seven civilians, including four from minority communities, were earlier killed by the terrorists in Kashmir, triggering fear among the people in the valley.