Protests held against killings in Valley
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 30: In a move to provide support and solace to the affected families, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, today sanctioned an ex-gratia amount of Rs. 5 lakh for the next of kin of a civilian who was shot dead by militants in Anantnag district last night.
The LG has approved a financial aid of Rs. 5 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in a devastating bus accident in Jammu. Additionally, a sum of Rs. 50,000 per person has been sanctioned for individuals who sustained serious injuries in the accident.
“The Lt. Governor has also approved Rs. 5 lakh each for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to a tragic bus accident today in Jammu and Rs. 50,000 each for those seriously injured. He has directed the district administration to ensure the well-being and medical treatment of the affected families, providing them with all necessary assistance during this difficult time,” a statement released by the LG’s office read.
The attack on Deepu, a resident of Udhampur and an employee of a private circus Mela near Janglat Mandi in Anantnag district, unfolded on Monday evening when militants opened fire. Deepu sustained critical injuries and was rushed to the hospital, but despite the best efforts of the medical staff, he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
The killing sparked widespread condemnation in the Valley, with protests taking place in various parts of Kashmir. In Shopian, despite inclement weather, a silent protest was held, where Government employees, members of civil society, and local representatives gathered to express their outrage over the incident, denouncing it as an act of inhumanity.
The protesters, holding banners and placards with messages such as “Stop innocent killings,” “We are against civilian killings,” and “We condemn killing,” conveyed their strong sentiments against the recurring violence. “Every now and then, we witness the killings of innocent people in Kashmir, whether they are Muslim, Hindu, Christian, or Sikh. Their blood is the same. Yesterday, our Hindu brother was killed, and we condemn it. These poor people come here seeking livelihood but are brutally killed. It is an attack on humanity as a whole,” a protestor said.
Another protestor pointed out that similar killings have occurred in the past year without substantial information emerging regarding the identities of the perpetrators or their motives. He urged all people to come together and thwart the vested interests seeking to destabilise the peace and tranquility of Kashmir, “We demand that such people should be sternly dealt with,” he added.
Meanwhile, the BJP unit in Kashmir organised a protest outside the party headquarters to condemn the killing of an innocent civilian. The party leaders and workers held placards with the message ‘Stop Innocent Killings’ and displayed posters of the slain civilians while raising anti-Pakistan slogans.
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