Tension grips south Kashmir as militants kill non local labourer, apple trader in back to back attacks

SRINAGAR: Militants unleashed a fresh wave of terror against the non-locals on Wednesday when killed an apple trader and a migrant labourer in two separate incidents in Shopian and Pulwama districts of South Kashmir.

The first incident occurred in the morning when two militants appeared at Nihama village of Pulwama district and shot at a brick kiln labourer from point blank range. He was immediately rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.Police identified the slain laborer as Sethi Kumar Sagar of Besoli in Chhattisgarh.

“He was walking with another civilian when two militants shot him dead. We have formed teams and they have fanned out in the area to catch the killers," said a police officer.

Jammu and Kashmir police has contacted their counterparts in Chattisgarh to transport the body to his native village. Massive cordon and search operation has been launched to nab the militants responsible for the incident.

Twelve hours later, militants surfaced in Trenz area of neighboring Shopian district and fired indiscriminately two non-local apple traders. They were immediately rushed to the hospital whereone of them identified as Chanderpreet of Punjab died and another is battling for life.

Security forces immediately rushed to the spot and launched a manhunt to track down the militants responsible for the incident.

This is the third attack on non-locals in the last three days in south Kashmir. On Monday, Shareefud din Khan, a trucker from Rajasthan, was abducted and shot dead by the militants in SinduShirmal village of Shopian district. His truck was also set ablaze by the militants.

Preliminary investigations reveal that there were around four militants that appeared in the Shirmal village on Monday evening. Of the four, two hijacked the truck and shot dead the driver. One of the two militants has been identified as Pakistani. Another militant has been identified as RahilMagrey

“I would like to assure the farmers in Kashmir that all possible security will be provided. They will be allowed to reap the harvest. I would assure security to all farmers in Kashmir. It will be provided by the state. It is our responsibility," said Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon, General Officer Commanding of 15 Corps.