On Feb 03, in a horrifying incident that underscores the persistent security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, an ex-serviceman was shot dead and his family brutally targeted by coward terrorists in the Kulgam district.
Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, a 39-year-old retired territorial battalion soldier, was killed instantly when armed terrorists stormed his residence in the Behibagh area. His wife, Aaina Akthar, 32 and niece were critically wounded in the targeted attack, spreading fear and psychosis amongst local community.
The attack, which occurred in the early morning hours, was meticulously planned and executed with chilling precision. Eyewitnesses reported that multiple terrorists surrounded the family’s modest home, firing indiscriminately before swiftly escaping the scene. Local security forces immediately launched a massive search operation, cordoning off the area and initiating a hunt for the perpetrators.
Senior security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the attack is a deliberate attempt to intimidate former military personnel and destabilize the fragile peace in the Kashmir Valley. The targeting of an ex-serviceman and his family represents a significant escalation in terrorist tactics, potentially signaling a new and more dangerous phase of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms, describing it as a ‘Cowardly Act of Terrorism’ that deliberately targets innocent civilians. J&K Police have registered a formal case and launched a comprehensive investigation, with multiple security agencies collaborating to track down the terrorists responsible for this dastard act.
Local political leaders, including J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, expressed deep shock and promised swift justice. They emphasized that such heinous acts would not deter the region’s commitment to peace and normalcy.
The ongoing investigation is focused on identifying and tracing the Over Ground Workers (OGWs) involved in this heinous terrorist attack. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent and malevolent forces determined to undermine peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir. These anti-peace elements consistently target vulnerable populations, demonstrating a complete disregard for human life by ruthlessly attacking unarmed civilians, including women and children. Their primary targets are often former military personnel and their families, who are defenseless against such brutal assaults. The attack has critically reignited crucial discussions about the current security infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for more comprehensive and robust protection strategies to safeguard innocent citizens in the region.
The family of Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, now mourning their devastating loss, represents countless others who continue to live under the shadow of potential violence, hoping for a future of peace and security.
