Billawar victims’ families assured FSL, other reports within 7-10 days
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 29: People living in the upper reaches of Kathua district, particularly in Bani, Basohli, and Billawar heights, have been living in a state of constant fear due to recurring terrorist attacks and reports of the presence of multiple terrorists in the region.
Under such circumstances, those with adequate resources have shifted to safer locations in the towns, while those with limited options prefer not to exit their homes unnecessarily out of fear.
However, those who remain stationed in these areas throughout the year have demanded a heavy deployment of security forces or that they be provided with arms and training to fight the terrorists.
Shori Lal, the father of Jogesh Kumar, one of the terror victims from Marhoon village in Lohai Malhar area of Billawar Tehsil, said that people in his area have been living in a state of trauma ever since he lost his son along with two other people.
According to him, residents of Marhoon, who have alternative residences in Kathua or Jammu cities have either permanently shifted to these areas or those who serve in the area come to their offices and schools during the day and leave by evening.
“Most people avoid staying there at night, fearing attacks and harassment by terrorists,” he said.
Similar concerns were raised by Chmail Singh, the father of Master Varun Thakur, the 12-year-old child, who was also killed by the terrorists.
Singh said people in the upper reaches of Bani, Basohli, and Billawar areas have even noticed suspicious activities in the recent past, but they don’t apprise the authorities out of fear for their lives.
However, he said several senior officers in the Jammu and Kashmir Police are in touch with him and other people of the area to act on the reports of suspicious activities.
“But it takes hours for the police and other security forces to reach these heights. So, we request the administration to deploy forces in these hilly areas so that their timely action can prevent any mishap,” he said.
Meanwhile, the families of the Marhoon victims met the ADC of Billawar today, requesting him to apprise them of the status of the investigation and provide copies of the FSL reports along with post-mortem and viscera reports.
As per sources, the ADC cited the deployment of forces and other staff in other areas due to terror attacks in different parts of Kathua and assured that they would be provided with the FSL reports and other documents within 7-10 days.
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