Jammu and Kashmir: Grief and Anger mount after Baramulla mosque shooting

Jammu and Kashmir: Grief and anger hung heavy over Baramulla district on Sunday following the tragic killing of former senior police officer Mohd Shafi. Villagers and family members gathered for the last rites of Shafi, who was fatally shot by unidentified terrorists while offering prayers at a local mosque.

The attack, which occurred amidst ongoing security operations in the region after an ambush attack claimed the lives of four soldiers,  sparked outrage and renewed calls for a comprehensive solution to the ongoing violence.

#WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: Last rites of Mohd Shafi, a retired police officer, who was shot dead by terrorists today, are being performed in Baramulla pic.twitter.com/SRnme6WrWX

— ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2023

Terrorism will not end through the army, says Farooq Abdullah

Reacting to the incident, National Conference MP Farooq Abdullah said, "We were part of India, are part of India and will remain part of India. If we have to end terrorism, we've got to find ways through which it can be ended. The government should think that terrorism will not end through the army or police."

Witness accounts detail the shock and horror that unfolded as the muezzin, Shafi himself, abruptly fell silent during the call to prayer. His brother, Abdulkareem Mir, recounted the chilling realization that a gunman had struck down their loved one in a place of worship. Abdulkareem Mir, the younger brother of Shafi, said, "He was the senior superintendent of police (SSP) and retired from service in 2012. He was a regular at the mosque for 'Aazan'. However, this morning, Shafi (the muezzin, who calls fellow Muslims to prayer) stopped suddenly in between his call for Aazan. At first, we thought that the microphone had stopped working. However, later, we learned to our absolute shock and dismay that he had been fatally shot."

Meanwhile, the area was cordoned off in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

#Terrorists fired upon Shri Mohd Shafi, a retired police officer at Gantmulla, Sheeri #Baramulla, while praying Azan in the mosque and succumbed to injuries. Area has been #cordoned off. Further details awaited.@JmuKmrPolice

— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) December 24, 2023

The Kashmir Zone Police posted on their official X handle, "#Terrorists fired upon Shri Mohd Shafi, a retired police officer at Gantmulla, Sheeri #Baramulla, while praying Azan in the mosque and succumbed to injuries. The area has been #cordoned off. Further details awaited,"