LG Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemn

Srinagar, Oct 19: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have strongly condemned the killing of a non-local labourer, Ashok Chauhan, whose bullet-riddled body was recovered in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Friday morning.

The body, bearing two bullet wounds, was found in a field in the Wachi area of Zainapora on Friday and a hunt is underway to track down the attackers.

Expressing outrage over the incident, LG Sinha said that security forces were committed to hunting down the perpetrators and ensuring justice was served.

“I strongly condemn the brutal killing of a vendor, Ashok Chauhan, in Shopian by cowardly terrorists. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with his family,” LG Sinha said in a post on microblogging site X.

The LG said that he had instructed the J&K Police and district administration to provide full support to Chauhan’s family during this difficult time.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack.

“Very sorry to hear about the death of Ashok Chauhan at the hands of militants in south Kashmir. These attacks are abhorrent and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. I send my condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased,” Abdullah posted on X.

Political leaders from various parties also voiced their condemnation.

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra expressed deep sorrow, calling the killing “most unfortunate and shocking”.

“Killings in any form are highly condemnable and unacceptable. Such incidents must be stopped in the larger interest of peace and the safety of common people,” Karra said, extending his condolences to the bereaved family and offering prayers for their strength during this difficult time.

The BJP’s Kashmir unit also strongly condemned the “heinous and cowardly act of terrorism”.

Sajid Yousuf Shah, the party’s Kashmir media incharge, expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the incident.

“The cold-blooded murder of Ashok Chauhan is a reprehensible act of cowardice that seeks to destabilise harmony in J&K,” Shah said.

He reassured the people that the BJP remains steadfast in its commitment to restoring peace in the region, vowing that such attacks would only strengthen the resolve to root out terrorism.

Shah said that security forces would ensure those responsible for the killing are brought to justice, as the government remains dedicated to defeating terrorism and restoring normalcy in J&K.