A Kashmiri Pandit identified as Rahul Bhat -- a government employee -- was shot dead by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam on Thursday. Bhat was shot at by terrorists at the Tehsildar office in Chadoora. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but succumbed to injuries.
The gunmen entered the Tehsil office in Chadoora town and shot at Rahul Bhat, a clerk, the officials said.
They said Bhat, who was residing in a migrant colony at Sheikhpura in Budgam district.
Strongly denounce the cowardly act by terrorists who fired at an innocent and umarmed civilian, BJP's spokesperson Altaf Thakur said.
"Rahul Bhat was working with the Revenue department at Chadoora, Budgam. This act is highly barbaric, cowardly, and shows frustration of terrorists. Attackers must be brought to justice," he said.
Jammu and Kashmir police said that the injured was immediately brought to SMHS Hospital, Srinagar for treatment where he succumbed to injuries. Preliminary investigation reveals that 2 terrorists are involved in this heinous crime and used pistol to attack him.
A little-know outfit, Kashmir Tigers, has claimed responsibility for Bhat's killing.
Kashmir Tigers claimed responsibility for the attack and said, "A message from a local number claimed that the Kashmir Tigers have claimed the responsibility of killing a 'Hindu terrorist' in Chadoora Budgam today! Anyone harassing Muslims in Hindu offices should be held accountable in the same way. In future if anyone harassed Muslims in Hindu-Muslim offices, this is the result."
Kashmir Tigers has claimed responsibility for killing Kashmiri Pandit Rahul Bhat in J&K's Budgam.
Condemning the attack, former J&K CM Omar Abdullah said, "I unequivocally condemn the murderous militant attack on Rahul Bhatt. Rahul was a government employee working in the Tehsil office in Chadoora where he was attacked. Targeted killings continue and a sense of fear grows unchecked. My heartfelt condolences to Rahul’s family. RIP."
"This young man had his entire life ahead of him & to know that his life was so cruelly extinguished today is tragic. Rest in peace Rahul Bhatt," Omar added.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and political parties in Kashmir condemned Bhat's killing.
"I strongly condemn the barbaric killing of Rahul Bhat by terrorists at Budgam. Those behind this despicable terror attack will not go unpunished. J&K Govt stands in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” Sinha tweeted.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) tweeted, "We unequivocally condemn the killing of Rahul Bhat ji, who was working as an employee in revenue dept Budgam. Despite deployment of security forces in every nook & corner of the valley, even govt offices aren't safe. Our thoughts, prayers are with the family in this hour of grief."
There has been a spurt in attacks on non-Muslims and outsiders living in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
As many as 14 people belonging to Jammu and Kashmir's minority Hindu community, including Kashmiri Pandits, were killed by militants between August 2019 and March 2022.
Those targeted by the extremists included prominent businessmen, sarpanchs and block development council members in various parts of Kashmir.
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