BJP Activist, Cop Shot Dead in Kashmir: 'Cycle of Violence Won't Last Long', Says Shah

SRINAGAR: A senior BJP activist, who was abducted last night, and a Jammu and Kashmir Police constable, were shot dead by unknown gunmen as tensions marked the holy festival of Eid-ul-Azha in Kashmir.

Police sources said the BJP activist Shabir Ahmad Bhat, who was recently provided security by the state government, was abducted last night when he was on the way to his home in Pulwama to celebrate Eid with his family.

Sources said Bhat was staying in Srinagar due to fear of militants who have targeted mainstream leaders and activists, particularly in south Kashmir areas, with impunity.

“He was abducted by gunmen last night and today morning his bullet riddled body was found in Litter area of Pulwama by people who were coming out of mosque after offering morning prayers," a senior police officer said, adding that Shabir Bhat was constituency-incharge of the rightwing party for Pulwama.

BJP President Amit Shah also tweeted: “Anguished to learn about the killing of BJP karyakarta, Shabir Ahmad Bhat by terrorists in Pulwama (J&K). This act of cowardice is highly condemnable. Extremists cannot stop the youth of Kashmir from choosing a better future for themselves. This cycle of violence won't last long.”

In a statement, the state Bharatiya Janata Party condemned the killing of Bhat. "Pained to learn about the brutal murder of our Constituency President & IT Social Media Incharge Pulwama Shabir Ahmed Bhat in Pulwama," said a party spokesman, in a statement.

"Our deepest condolences to his family. Militants must realize that they cannot stop the youth of the valley from choosing a better future for themselves,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, unknown gunmen today morning shot dead a policeman in Awgam village of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. According to reports, the trainee police constable identified as Fayaz Ahmad Shah of Zazipora village was heading home after offering Eid prayers when unknown gunmen opened fire on him, leaving him critically injured.

“The constable was immediately shifted to nearby hospital where he succumbed. We have proof that militants are involved in his killing and a case under relevant sections of law has been initiated in connection with the incident," he said.

Police sources said Shah was earlier working as a Special Police Officer and he was recently promoted as constable after he played a crucial role in the killing of some top militant in south Kashmir.

Prevailing tension have dampened the usually festive mood with Lal Chowk, the largest marketplace in Kashmir, witnessing less footfall of shoppers yesterday ahead of the holy festival of Eid which is being celebrated across the globe today.