KISHTWAR/JAMMU, Nov 9: The final rites for Village Defence Guards (VDGs) Nazir Ahmed (42) and Kuldeep Kumar (40), killed by terrorists in Kishtwar’s Kuntwara village, were conducted on Saturday as locals called for increased security and government aid, including jobs for the families of the victims. The two VDGs’ bodies were discovered deep in the Kuntwara forest on Friday after a lengthy search operation.
Officials reported that the victims were found blindfolded, hands tied, and shot in the head. The attack prompted additional forces to be deployed to the area as a manhunt for the terrorists continued.
Nazir and Kumar, both primary earners for their families, were laid to rest in their respective communities, with villagers chanting anti-terrorism slogans. Community leaders requested government support, including ex gratia relief and jobs for each family, given the impact on the families left behind. Locals also demanded reinforcement of VDG units to ensure safety.
Former BJP J-K president Ravinder Raina and Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar visited the families, offering condolences and emphasizing the party’s support for the community. The incident has raised concerns among villagers, who emphasized unity across communities against terrorism, while demanding a large-scale search operation to secure the area.
The recent attack adds to a rise in terror incidents in Jammu’s districts, including Rajouri, Poonch, and Doda.
Kishtwar mourns slain VDGs, locals demand government support and enhanced security
