More than 360 individuals who are believed to have been involved in terrorism-related activities were detained in overnight raids across Jammu and Kashmir as part of a massive terror crackdown following an attack in Kulgam district that claimed the life of a retired Army personnel.
Security personnel detained those who are believed to have terrorist links in the past and are questioning some of the detainees. The raids were also conducted to prevent any terrorist attacks as authorities received inputs of more such activities planned for the future.
The development came after a retired Army personnel was shot dead by terrorists while he and his family were sitting near their home in the Behibagh area of Kulgam on Monday.
According to sources, former soldier Manzoor Ahmad Wagay was shot in the stomach while two of his family members, including his wife Aayeena, were shot in the leg. After they were shifted to the hospital, the ex-Army man succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
According to initial statements recorded by police and army officials, Wagay, a former member of the Territorial Army, sustained additional bullet wounds while attempting to protect his niece, news agency reported. The terrorists, suspected to be associated with banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, fired upon Wagay as he returned home.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s office condemned the attack and expressed grief over Wagay’s killing, saying that “such heinous violence has no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
“I strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack on Sh Manzoor Ahmad Wagay and his family in Kulgam. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief. I have instructed the officials to provide the best possible treatment to the injured. Praying for their speedy recovery, I assure the people that the perpetrators of this cowardly attack will be punished soon,” said Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
