Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 14: In a resounding display of unity and grief, political leaders, organizations, and citizens from various backgrounds have come together to condemn the recent killings of security personnel in the Kashmir valley by terrorists.
These heinous acts, which claimed the lives of three senior officers, including an Army colonel and a major, have ignited widespread outrage and determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a statement, Bhartiya Janta (BJP) Party National General Secretary and incharge J&K, Tarun Chugh, expressed strong condemnation for the killings and asserted that the killers of these valiant officers will not escape justice.
He paid heartfelt tribute to Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Aashish Dhonchak, and DySP Humayun Bhat, highlighting the terrorists’ desperation in the face of mounting security force pressure.
Chugh emphasized that this cowardly act would only strengthen the security forces’ resolve to decisively defeat the terrorists.
He pointed out that Pakistan continues to disrupt peace in Jammu and Kashmir, using malicious tactics, and extended sympathy to the families of the fallen officers. He reiterated India’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and its support networks.
Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chairman, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), strongly condemned the killings as a cowardly act by terrorists.
“The killing of 3 senior officers in a cowardly attack by terrorists deserves strong condemnation,” he said.
He expressed concern over the increasing number of encounters in Jammu and Kashmir and called upon the Central Government to address the deteriorating security situation in the region.
Azad highlighted that terrorism is no longer confined to Kashmir alone but has expanded to Jammu, including border districts like Rajouri and Poonch.
Former Union Minister Prof Saifuddin Soz expressed deep sadness over the killings and called for dialogue with Pakistan on all matters of mutual interest.
He emphasized India’s reputation for promoting regional peace and development, urging discussions with neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan, on all issues.
He also visited the bereaved family of DySP Humayun Bhat to offer condolences.
Former Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Kavinder Gupta also paid tribute to the security personnel who lost their lives in separate encounters in Rajouri and Anantnag Districts.
He emphasized that India would never allow Pakistan’s designs to take shape in Kashmir and criticized local political leaders advocating talks with Pakistan.
Former Minister and senior BJP leader Choudhary Sukhnandan also condemned the killing of the brave heart officers of the J&K Police and Army in the encounter and paid rich tribute to them at Ghou Manhasa area of Marh.
Choudhary said that he was deeply saddened by the terrible loss of three young officers in the dastardly terrorist attack.
He extended his sympathies with the bereaved families and urged for every possible help to the families from the Government.
Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Ghulam Ahmad Mir expressed pain and anguish over the martyrdom of the Army Colonel, Major, and Deputy SP of J&K Police in the Kokernag encounter.
He praised the supreme sacrifice of the soldiers and vowed that those responsible for the attack would be held accountable.
The BJP’s Kashmir unit paid tribute to the fallen security force officers in a gathering at the party’s headquarters.
They condemned the perpetrators and called for stringent punishment. Aijaz Hussain, a prominent DDC member, stated that peace in the region had unsettled neighboring countries, prompting them to disrupt the peace.
Senior BJP leader Yudhvir Sethi reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to respond strongly to Pakistan’s nefarious designs following the officers’ martyrdom.
He led a candlelight march alongside civil society members, police officers, and district administration to pay tribute to the fallen heroes.
Senior BJP leader Ajatshatru Singh conveyed his deep grief over the sacrifices made by the officers during the Kokernag encounter.
He assured the bereaved families of the nation’s solidarity and recognized the sacrifices’ impact on society.
Ritika Trehan Chief Spokesperson of BJP Mahila Morcha J&KUT, saluted the courage and sacrifice of the martyred officers.
She highlighted Pakistan’s opposition to peace in Jammu and Kashmir and urged youth to remain cautious and prioritize family, society, and development over violence.
A delegation from the Peoples Conference, comprising prominent members, visited the residence of Ghulam Hassan Bhat (retired DIG) to offer condolences on the tragic loss of his son, DySP Himayun Muzamil Bhat’s life.
They expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with the bereaved family.
Sham Lal Langer, Convenor of BJP Trade Cell, J&K, expressed profound grief and shock over the tragic martyrdom of the officers in Anantnag encounter.
In a statement, Langer acknowledged the supreme sacrifice of the brave officers in the line of duty. He stated that the whole nation stands firmly with the families of the martyred officers, sharing their grief in this hour of immense pain and distress.
The District Youth Congress Jammu Urban paid tribute to the martyred officers with a ceremony attended by various dignitaries and Youth Congress members.
They remembered Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Aashish Dhonchak, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Himanyun Muzamil Bhat for their supreme sacrifice.
G M Shaheen, JDU State President, condemned the killing of the security force officers and urged the Government to strengthen the security grid to bring the culprits to justice.
He expressed sympathy for the slain officers’ families and called for action against the attackers.
VHP and Bajrang Dal, along with shopkeepers in Poonch, paid tribute to the martyred Army and Police officers. They mourned the loss and urged the Government to eliminate any support for terrorism.
Members of Dogra Front & Shiv Sena, led by President Ashok Gupta, staged a protest in Jammu city by burning the Pakistani flag in response to the soldiers’ martyrdom.
They demanded stern action against the Pakistan sponsored terrorists responsible for the killing of the officers in Anantnag and Rajouri.
Traders Federation Ware House Nehru Market organized a candle march to pay tribute to the fallen officers.
They raised slogans against Pakistan and anti-national forces, expressing support for the security forces.
Federation President Deepak Gupta strongly condemned Pakistan for carrying on the policy of enmity against India and harbouring terrorists on its soil and using them to threaten life of the people and security forces in JKUT.
Jammu and Kashmir Police in Kishtwar also paid rich tributes to DySP Himayun Bhat in a solemn ceremony held in the town.
SSP Kishtwar, Khalil Poswal, praised DySP Bhat’s courage and unwavering commitment to duty, stating that his selfless service would be remembered forever.
The Executive Body of the Kashmiri Pandit Sabha Jammu also met here to condemn the dastardly act of the terrorists in Kokernag area of Anantnag District.
The Sabha members paid tributes to the fallen Army and Police officers and expressed sympathies with their families. The Sabha demanded stern punishment for the terrorists responsible for the officers’ killing.
Meanwhile, Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS) members took out separate protest rallies against the killings of the soldiers in the Pakistani sponsored terrorists attacks in Rajouri and Anantnag Districts.
While the BJYM protest was led by Arun Prabhat Singh, the protest rally of YRS was led by Sabha President Vikram Singh Vikcy.
Addressing the media, BJYM Chief Arun Prabhat voiced serious concerns about Pakistan’s direct complicity in providing sanctuary to terrorists through its sinister intelligence agency, ISI.
He claimed that the recent attack on the officers was a blatant attempt to derail peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
“But we will avenge the killing of our soldiers. We will further strengthen the zero-tolerance policy,” he said.
The YRS activists, who had earlier gathered at the Bhagwati Nagar Bridge to Gherao the BJP office, deferred their plans in view of the officers’ martyrdom and accordingly took out a rally from Ware House Jammu towards Maharaja Hari Singh’s statue at Tawi Bridge.
Holding National Flags in their hands, the YRS activists raised slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Bhartiya Sena Zindabad,” and castigated Pakistan for its nefarious designs of targeting the soldiers.
Earlier, former YRS President Surinder Singh Gilli also termed terrorism as a major impediment in the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
These expressions of solidarity and condemnation reflect the collective resolve of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to stand strong against terrorism and violence, honoring the brave officers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
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