BJP leader, brother shot dead by militants in Kishtwar, curfew imposed

Jammu: The district administration imposed curfew in Kishtwar district after senior BJP leader and his brother were shot dead by some unidentified gunmen on Thursday evening.

"Some unidentified gunmen shot dead BJP State Secretary Anil Parihar and his brother Ajeet Parihar this evening at Tapal Gali area of Kishtwar when the duo was on their way home after closing their shop at around 2015 hrs," police here said.They were rushed to the hospital but declared as brought dead.

However, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Angrez Singh Rana has imposed curfew in the hilly town to prevent any law and order problem.

As per sources, the duo was shot dead from point blank and the shooters,  taking advantage of the darkness, escaped from the spot.

Meanwhile, an eyewitness told UNI that the situation was tense in the town while protest triggered outside the hospital after the news of the killings spread like a wild fire. "Whether it is a terrorist killing, some rivalry or any other issue, the facts are yet to be ascertained," police said.

BJP Chief Spokesperson Sunil Sethi condemned the incident and said that it was a cowardly act on part of the 'terrorists'."We condemn this coward act of 'terrorists'," Mr Sethi said.

Union MoS Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also MP from Doda-Udahmpur-Kathua Parliamentary Constituency, told UNI, "I am deeply saddened after hearing about an incident and soon rushing to Kishtwar."

Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Dr Nirmal Singh said, "It is a very shocking incident."

"In 90s too, he (Anil Parihar) escaped bid on life by the terrorists because he had played an active role during anti-militancy operations launched by the Army and the Security Forces," Dr Singh said, adding that for the past 25 to 30 years, he has been associated with the BJP.

"This cowardly act of terrorists has cleared that they want to disrupt peace in the Jammu region especially ahead of Panchayat Polls scheduled to begin from November 17," he added.He was a dynamic leader and terrorists always look for soft targets to show their presence, he added.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted, "Very sad news. My condolences to Anil & Ajit Parihar's family & colleagues. May their souls rest in peace."

BJP state president Ravinder Raina said, "Killing of our senior leader and state secretary Anil Parihar is a very unfortunate incident.""The 'terrorists' out of frustration killed the nationalist leader and it is a coward act," he said adding that security forces will give befitting reply and the killers will not be spared.

"There were inputs from intelligence agencies that a group of terrorists from Shopian had entered the Kishtwar but it was not taken seriously. It is a security lapse," he added.

Meanwhile mobile internet service has been snapped in Kishtwar district of Jammu region as preventive measure. Some policemen including station house officer were also beaten by the angry mob.

Reports from Doda said that protests also started in Bhaderwah tehsil against killing of BJP leaders.(UNI)