On November 8, 2024, the serene landscape of Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir was shattered by a horrific act of terrorism that claimed the lives of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs), Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar. The two men were abducted while tending to their livestock in the Munzla Dhar forest, and their brutal execution has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond.
The Incident
According to police reports, Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, both residents of Ohli-Kuntwara, had ventured into the forest early in the morning to graze their cattle. When they failed to return home, concerns grew among their families and villagers. Tragically, it was later confirmed that they had been kidnapped and murdered by terrorists associated with the Kashmir Tigers, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad.
The situation escalated when terrorists used the victims’ mobile phones to circulate gruesome photographs of their bodies on social media. Family members identified the deceased, deepening the sorrow that enveloped the community. Prithvi Kumar, Kuldeep’s brother, expressed his devastation, revealing that their father had passed away just a week prior, making this loss even more unbearable for the family.
Community Response
In response to this brutal act of violence, the Sanatan Dharam Sabha called for a complete bandh (shutdown) across Kishtwar on Friday. The organization urged residents to close all businesses, educational institutions, and shops in protest against the killings. The bandh reflects not only grief but also a collective demand for justice and security in a region that has seen a resurgence of violence.
Local leaders have rallied behind this call for solidarity. The general public was encouraged to participate fully in the bandh as a show of unity against terrorism and in honor of the fallen guards. “There would be complete shutdown and no vehicular movement; no business establishment or office would be allowed to function throughout Kishtwar,” stated a spokesperson from Sanatan Dharam Sabha.
Political Condemnation
The heinous act has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his outrage over the killings, stating that “no words are strong enough to condemn this heinous terrorist attack.” He paid tribute to Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, calling them “brave sons” who were martyred in a cowardly act. Sinha reiterated the government’s commitment to dismantling terror outfits and avenging such barbaric acts.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the killings, emphasizing that such acts of violence hinder efforts toward achieving lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Leaders from various political parties—including the National Conference, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Congress, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—joined in denouncing the violence, underscoring a united front against terrorism.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed her condolences to the families of the victims while highlighting the need for a robust response to prevent further tragedies. Similarly, senior BJP leader Kavinder Gupta called for immediate action against those responsible for these attacks.
A Rising Tide of Violence
This tragic incident is part of a concerning trend in Jammu and Kashmir, where several districts—including Kishtwar—have witnessed an uptick in terror-related activities this year. Security agencies attribute this rise in violence to attempts by terror handlers across the border to revive militancy in an area that has historically been more peaceful compared to other regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
The execution of Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by local communities in combating terrorism. The fear instilled by such acts threatens not only individual lives but also communal harmony and stability within these regions.
Conclusion
As Kishtwar mourns its fallen heroes, there is a palpable sense of urgency among residents and leaders alike to confront this escalating violence head-on. The call for unity against terrorism is stronger than ever as families grieve their losses and demand justice for those who have suffered at the hands of senseless brutality. In this moment of sorrow, it is crucial for all stakeholders—government officials, security forces, and community leaders—to come together to ensure that such tragedies do not recur and that peace can once again prevail in Jammu and Kashmir.
