Kishtwar, Apr 9: A Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader and his personal security officer (PSO) were killed when gunmen opened fire at them in Kishtwar district of Jammu on Tuesday.
A police official said that unidentified gunmen opened fire at the RSS leader Chandrakant Sharma and his security guard at the district hospital in Kishtwar.
Sharma, as per reports, worked as a medical assistant at the hospital and was posted in the outpatient department of the hospital.
The gunmen, suspected as militants, barged into the hospital and snatched the PSO’s weapon. They attempted to fire at the RSS leader, but in the scuffle, Sharma’s personal security officer was shot dead. The gunmen then decamped with the rifle of the slain policeman.
Sharma too was shot at during the incident and succumbed to his injuries at GMC Jammu where he was airlifted in a special chopper arranged by the district administration.
Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh said that curfew was put in place in Kishtwar town and some other areas of the district.
The district administration also called in the army that has carried a flag march amid curfew in the town and its adjoining parts.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Angrez Singh Rana told that army has been called to carry a flag march while curfew was imposed soon after the incident to prevent any law and order disturbance.
On November 1 last year, suspected militants killed BJP state secretary Anil Parihar and his brother in an attack in Kishtwar.
Guv, Omar, Mehbooba condemn attack
Srinagar, Apr 9: Governor Satya Pal Malik has condemned the attack inside a Hospital in district Kishtwar in which two lives were lost on Tuesday.
A Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader and his personal security officer (PSO) were killed when gunmen opened fire at them in the hospital in Kishtwar town.
Expressing grief over the tragic loss of lives, Governor in a condolence message has prayed for peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families in their hour of grief.
Governor has directed civil and police administration to review the safety and security aspects of all the important installations, establishments and public places and maintain strict vigil to thwart the nefarious designs of the forces inimical to peace and stability of the State.
He appealed to the people to cooperate with the administration and maintain peace and harmony.
Former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti too condemned the killings.
“Unequivocally condemn the brutal murder of Chandrakant & his personal security officer in #Kishtwar today. There can be no place for targeting political operatives like this. I hope the residents of the area will cooperate with the administration & maintain calm,” Omar said in a tweet.
“Condemn this act of terror. Seems like part of a bigger plan to incite communal tension. Urge @jandkgovernor to initiate a probe & appeal to people of Kishtwar to maintain peace & harmony,” Mehbooba tweeted.
