Kulgam: A former army soldier was killed while his wife and niece sustained injuries after they were attacked by militants in Behibagh area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday, officials said.
An official said that unidentified militants fired upon Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, a retired army man in Behibagh when he was with his wife and niece, injuring them.
He said that the trio was taken to a hospital in injured condition where Wagay succumbed.
The condition of Aaina Akhtar, 32, wife of Manzoor Ahmed Wagay and Saina Hameed, 13, daughter of Habibullah Shah is stable. They are undergoing treatment at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag.
Soon after the incident, police and security forces rushed to the area and launched a search operation to nab the attackers. This is the first killing of an unarmed person in Kashmir this year.
Manzoor’s younger brother said that he (Manzoor) used to stay at home after retiring in 2021.
He said that Manzoor had four daughters and a son and was the sole breadwinner for the family.
“Our only demand is justice and nothing else… He was running his own business,” he added.
LG Sinha, CM condemn
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the heinous militant attack on the ex-serviceman and his family. They expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.
LG Sinha said, “I strongly condemn the heinous militant attack on Shri 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.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in a post on X said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic killing of ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay Sahab in Kulgam. My heartfelt condolences to his family, and prayers for the swift recovery of his injured wife and daughter. Such heinous violence has no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest terms. May peace and justice prevail.”
Former Chief Minister & PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said,” Terribly saddened to know about the heinous killing of Manzoor Ahmed Wagay by militants in Kulgam today. Deepest condolences to his family & prayers for the swift recovery of his wife & daughter.”
