KISHTWAR/JAMMU, Nov 8: Outrage swept through Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Wednesday as residents took to the streets to protest the killings of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) by terrorists. Hundreds gathered in the Drabshalla area, burning tyres, blocking roads, and chanting slogans against Pakistan and terrorism, including “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
The demonstrations spread to Kuntwara and nearby areas, where protestors held sit-ins and raised slogans of “Pakistan Murdabad.” Speaking to reporters, Drabshalla resident Kuldeep Singh condemned the killings as an “act of cowardice,” noting that the victims were abducted while grazing cattle in the forest. “We demand a massive operation to eliminate the terrorists involved in this act. The forces should sweep the entire hills so that people feel safe to graze cattle in these areas,” he stated.
A district-wide shutdown has been called for Friday by the Sanatan Dharam Sabha, with an appeal for all businesses and educational institutions to remain closed in protest. Kishtwar MLA Shugan Parihar also condemned the incident, expressing deep sorrow for the victims, Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, and extending condolences to their families.
In response to the killings, a large-scale joint operation by police and the Army is underway in the forested area of Kuntwara. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and leaders from the National Conference, PDP, Congress, and BJP have all condemned the attack. The Kashmir Tigers, a Jaish-e-Mohammad affiliate based in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the killings and circulated images of the victims with their eyes blindfolded.
Protests erupt in Kishtwar over killing of Village Defence Guards; shutdown Observed
