In a series of shocking events, two separate firing incidents have rocked the districts of Anantnag and Shopian in Jammu and Kashmir, leaving a trail of casualties and heightened tensions. The first incident unfolded in the Heerpora area of Shopian, where terrorists opened fire on Ejaz Ahmad, a former sarpanch and a BJP leader.#Terrorist fired upon and injured a lady Farha R/O Jaipur and spouse Tabrez at Yannar, #Anantnag. Injured evacuated to hospital for treatment. Area cordoned off. Further details shall follow.@JmuKmrPolice— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) May 18, 2024BJP Leader Succumbs to InjuriesAhmad was immediately rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries, according to reports. The brazen attack on a prominent political figure has sent shockwaves through the region.#Terrorist fired upon a person Aijaz Ahmad at Heerpora, #Shopian. Injured evacuated. Area cordoned off. Further details to follow.@JmuKmrPolice— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) May 18, 2024Tourists Caught in Crossfire in PahalgamIn a separate incident, the terrorists targeted a tourist camp in Pahalgam, where a couple, Farha and Tabarez, from Udaipur were caught in the crossfire and sustained gunshot wounds. Both victims were swiftly admitted to a nearby hospital, with their condition reported to be critical, raising grave concerns for their safety.While we condemn the attack in Pahalgam today that resulted in injuries to two tourists followed by another attack on a sarpanch in Hurpora, Shopian - the timing of these attacks given that the South election was delayed without any reason is a cause of concern. Especially… https://t.co/rEa7SMpBGZ— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) May 18, 2024Mehbooba Muftis Condemnation and Concerns Expressing her condemnation of the attacks, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti took to social media platform X, stating, While we condemn todays attack in Pahalgam in which two tourists were injured and subsequently an attack on a sarpanch in Heerpora, Shopian - the timing of these attacks, coming after an unexplained delay in polls in south Kashmir, is a cause for concern. Especially in light of the claims of normalcy made by the GoI. Security Forces Respond Swiftly In response to the incidents, security forces swiftly mobilized and reached the respective locations. Following the firing in Shopian, the area was immediately cordoned off, and a search operation was launched to track down the perpetrators. The injured BJP leader, Ejaz Ahmad, was rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his critical wounds. Escalating Tensions and Fears The twin attacks have escalated tensions in the region, casting a pall of fear and uncertainty among the local populace and visitors alike. The targeted strike on a political figure and the indiscriminate firing on tourists have raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the region. As investigations into the incidents continue, the authorities vow to bring the perpetrators to justice and intensify efforts to maintain law and order in the troubled regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
