New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir is on edge once again after the Thursday night killing of BJP state secretary Anil Parihar and his elder brother Ajit Parihar in the communally-sensitive Kishtwar district.
According to Indian Express, the two were shot dead by unidentified gunmen – suspected to be militants – while they were returning home from their shop in Tapal Gali, opposite the old office complex of the deputy commissioner.
The attack has come just days ahead of panchayat polls in the state which will be held in nine phases starting November 17. Several major political parties have been boycotting the local body and panchayat polls, which has severely impacted voter turnout. The two largest regional parties – National Conference and People’s Democratic Party – had decided to stay away from polls over the Article 35A controversy and amid threats from militants.
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Officials said the gunmen were waiting for the two to return home and used pistols to target them. The brothers were rushed to a hospital – while Anil died on the spot, Ajit was said to have succumbed to injuries on the way. This is the first such political killing in Jammu region in recent years, officials added.
As word of the incident spread in the region, people began staging angry protests and clashed with the police. Several protestors gathered outside the Parihar residence and refused entry of senior police officers, prompting state authorities to impose a curfew.
Curfew was announced in Kishtwar, Doda and Bhaderwah. Additionally, prohibitory orders have been imposed and assembly of more than four has been banned in Ramban, Banihal, Poonch, Kathua, Rajouri and upper reaches of Gool Gulabgarh.
Anil, son of late BJP leader Sewa Ram Parihar, was an influential leader of the region. He had a sizeable support base – even among Muslims, Indian Express reported.
Kishtwar, a communally-sensitive region, has witnessed clashes in the past, the most recent one in August 2013.
The killings have drawn severe condemnation from all quarters. The state BJP chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi said the killing appeared to be a terror attack since the BJP leader had been on the campaign trail for the panchayat elections in the district. He further urged governor Satya Pal Malik to strengthen security grid in view of the current situation in J&K, Indian Express reported.
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Union home minister Rajnath Singh expressed shock and pain over the attack, adding that “the police will leave no stone unturned to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Shocked & pained by the killing of J&K State BJP leader Sh. Anil Parihar & his brother. My heart goes out to the bereaved family. Spoke to Advisor to J&K Governor, Sh Vijay Kumar regarding the incident. The police will leave no stone unturned to bring the perpetrators to justice.
— राजनाथ सिंह (@rajnathsingh) November 1, 2018
BJP president Amit Shah tweeted saying the attack was “a cowardly act that shames humanity”.
Just got the tragic news of killing of Shri Anil Parihar, Secretary @BJP4JnK, and his brother by terrorists in Kishtwar. This is a cowardly act that shames humanity. I grieve the death of my valued colleague and pray that God gives his family strength to bear this untimely loss.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 1, 2018
In a tweet, former chief minister Omar Abdullah said it was a “very sad news” and offered condolences to the families of Parihar brothers.
(With PTI inputs)