The latest spurt in violence in Kashmir has put a question mark on the claims of the security top brass, may it be the DG/IG of JK Police or Army Commanders, who often publicly announce that the security situation in Kashmir valley is not only under control but going peaceful day by day.
The suspected militants Tuesday hit the otherwise superficially calm situation by killing three civilians in three separate incidents to mark their presence newsworthy. Three civilians, including Makhan Lal Bindroo, a Kashmiri Pandit and the owner of Srinagar’s most famous pharmaceutical shop were shot dead by suspected militants in separate incidents here and in Bandipora districts.
The 68-year-old Bindroo, who runs Bindroo Medicate, was shot at by the assailants point blank at his pharmacy adding he was rushed to a hospital where he was declared brought dead.
A Kashmiri Pandit, Bindroo was one of the few from the community who did not migrate out at the onset of militancy in 1990. He continuously kept his shop operative during all odds and throughout the turmoil that gave a message to the people the confidence he enjoyed of all communities in Kashmir valley.
He stayed back along with his wife to continue operating his business which grew to become a trusted name in the city for quality medicines. The incidents sent shockwaves and shaken the confidence of whatever minorities left in the valley.
Within an hour, militants struck at Hawal area of the city, killing a poor non-local street vendor Virender, who used to sell bhelpuri, was also shot at point blank and died on the spot,
Within minutes of the second killing, militants shot dead Mohammad Shafi Lone at Naidkhai in Bandipora district. Shafi Lone was president of the local taxi stand.
It is observed that whenever the security authorities boast of some achievements on the security front, the detractors of the peace strike back to prove them wrong. While the commendable work of the security forces on the ground is appreciable, no such hype of such achievements be projected in the media or be said in a low profile. Better the forces should fire salvos on the militants in the media rather than confront them on the ground.
Killings of Bindroo and others were widely condemned across the board by all political shades in Kashmir but this condemnation would not be enough to restore the confidence of the residual minorities in Kashmir.
Bindroo was a helpful and sober person who always cared for the poor. “Those behind the killing of Bindroo have no religion as the killing of unarmed persons is never justified in any religion. I express my solidarity with the family members of Bindroo and urge police to expose and punish his killers, sooner than better,” Thakur said.
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah also condemned the killing.
“What terrible news! He was a very kind man. I’ve been told he never left during the height of militancy and remained with his shop open. I condemn this killing in the strongest possible terms & convey my heartfelt condolences to his family. God bless his soul,” Omar tweeted.
People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone also condemned the killing.
“The fatal attack against the owner of Bindroo medicates is outrageous and unacceptable. I knew the gentleman personally. He never left the valley. And terrorists made him pay for that. May he live in peace,” Lone tweeted.
CPI (M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said he had no words to condemn such a heinous and shameful act.
