Police probe expands to several districts after Kulgam attack

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a massive manhunt to track down the attackers responsible for the killing of an ex-serviceman and the injury of his two family members in Kulgam district. The police are also probing the possible involvement of militants from nearby districts, as Kulgam has only one listed local militant.

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On Monday, Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, a retired ex-serviceman who had served in the Territorial Army until 2021, and his wife and niece were shot at by unidentified gunmen in Behibagh village. Wagay was struck in the abdomen, while his wife and niece sustained leg injuries. They were rushed to the hospital, where Wagay later succumbed to his injuries.

Wagay, in the past, had been associated with the counter-insurgent force, Ikhwan, was instrumental in curbing militancy in the Valley during the 1990s.

In response to the attack, the police launched a massive crackdown, detaining hundreds of “overground workers and terror associates” across the Valley. Sources indicated that over 500 people were detained in the sweeping action, which has drawn criticism from several political leaders in the region.

Police sources revealed to The Tribune that investigations are exploring all possibilities, including the potential involvement of militants from surrounding districts. A police official stated that preliminary investigations suggest that two individuals were involved in the attack. “One of them opened fire with a pistol,” the official said.

The authorities are also looking into the possibility that the attackers were “hybrid militants” or individuals who may have had joined militant ranks. “As per the records, there is no missing complaint in Kulgam district…but each angle is being looked into very carefully so that attackers are nabbed soon,” said the official.

According to the police, the manner in which the attack was executed suggests that the assailants had prior knowledge of the area. The victims, returning from a relative’s home, were attacked when they were near their residence.

On Wednesday, a group of BJP leaders, including Leader of Opposition MLA Sunil Sharma, visited the 92 Base hospital at Badami Bagh Sonwar in Srinagar to check on the condition of the two women injured in the attack. The leaders later traveled to Behibagh, Kulgam, to meet the family of the deceased soldier.

BJP UT President Sat Sharma expressed his condolences and assured the family of all possible support. Condemning the attack, Sharma stated, “Certain elements in Jammu and Kashmir, acting at the behest of Pakistan, are attempting to disrupt peace in the region. Those who committed this heinous crime will pay a heavy price for it.”

“Our security forces are capable and one of the best forces in the world, always ready to guard the nation on its borders and within the borders. Our security forces would not spare the terrorists who are working on the commands from across the borders. The terrorists responsible for the heinous crime would be neutralised soon by our forces,” said Sat Sharma.

Meanwhile, Sunil Sharma said that the Jammu and Kashmir has progressed on the path of peace of prosperity with a lot of effort from our brave security forces. He added that nobody will be spared who dare to derail the peaceful atmosphere in the region.