Kishtwar: In Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, widespread protests erupted following the killing of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) by terrorists.
The residents of the Drabshalla area took to the streets, blocking roads and burning tyres while shouting slogans against Pakistan and terrorism, including chants like ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’.
Demonstrations were also reported in Kuntwara and surrounding areas, with locals staging sit-ins and shouting ‘Pakistan Murdabad’.
Protests were seen raising slogans in favour of Governor rule and end of terrorism and according to every resident of the area, they are ready to get martyred for the elimination of the terrorism.
The victims were identified as Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, who were reportedly kidnapped while grazing their cattle and later killed in the forest area.
Protesters demanded immediate action, calling for a large-scale military operation to eliminate the militants and restore safety in the area.
A complete shutdown, or bandh, was called in Kishtwar by the Sanatan Dharam Sabha in response to the killings, urging businesses and educational institutions to remain closed in solidarity with the victims.
Sabha members have alleged that the administration has neglected the inputs about the terrorist movement in the area and that has led to the incident.
Local leaders, including Kishtwar MLA Shugan Parihar, condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow over the brutal deaths of the two VDGs. She described the killings as a “heinous act of militancy” and offered condolences to the families of the deceased.
A massive search operation by the police and Army is ongoing in the dense forests of Kuntwara to locate the militants responsible for the attack.
The incident has drawn condemnation from various political figures, including Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and leaders from parties such as the National Conference, PDP, Congress, and BJP.—(News Vibes of India)
