Srinagar, Jul 13 : Two-pistol borne militants on Thursday shot at and injured three non-local labourers, one of them seriously, in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, officials said.
They said that the militants fired upon three outside labourers in Gagran area of the district at around 8:45 p.m.
A police official said that two pistol borne militants entered the rented accommodation where many non-local labourers stay and fired at them indiscriminately, resulting in injuries to three of them.
He said soon a police party reached the spot and evacuated the injured to nearby district hospital Shopian where from after first aid they were referred to SMHS Srinagar for advance treatment.
Police identified the injured persons as Anmol Kumar son of Amardeep, Hiralal Yadoo son of Darsi Yadav and Pintoo Kumar son of Susheel Kumar, all residents of Bihar. Condition of one of the injured is stated to be serious. Also, police and other forces immediately cordoned off the area and started searches to nab the attackers.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha and former Chief Ministers of erstwhile J&K state, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack.
In a statement, Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the attack and termed it “barbaric act”. “Targeting labourers highlight the desperation and cowardice of (militants) and their sympathisers.”
He directed the district administration to ensure all possible assistance to those injured and their family members. The Lt Governor said no efforts will be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a tweet, Omar termed it as a very unfortunate incident. “I unreservedly condemn this attack and send my best wishes to the injured. I hope they make a complete & speedy recovery,” said Omar, who is vice president of the National Conference.
Mehbooba, who is chief of Peoples Democratic Party, tweeted: “Condemn the attack on non-locals at Shopian today. I pray for their swift recovery.”
