Shopain Pandit killing triggers protests, candle light marches across J&K

Srinagar October 16 : People across Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday protests against that killing of a Kashmiri pandit in south Kashmir’s Shopain district.

Notably, Puran Krishan Bhat was fired upon by terrorists near his residence in the Chowdhary Gund area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district this afternoon, resulting in his death.

Eye witnesses told the Kashmir News Service (KNS), that the demonstrations were also held in South Kashmir’s Kulgam, Shopain district and Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora area of North Kashmir and other areas close to Kashmiri Pandit transit camps. Many of those protesting were seen carrying candles to register their protest,” they said and demanded that the administration of the Union Territory should ensure that Kashmiri Pandits are safe in the Valley.

“We have always been targeted for being who we are, and there has been no security despite claims from the government,” said on of the protester at Shopain. “No religion calls for the killing of innocents, and both Hindus and Muslims are being targeted here in Kashmir. It is only a human who dies here. I hope this ends,” said another protester at Bandipora.

“Our worst fears have once again come true with the latest killing. We have already fled the valley otherwise we feel many of us have been done to death, one of the protesters, Nikhil Kaul said. He said they have been saying that the situation in the valley is not safe for them but this government remained unmoved and paid no heed to their pleas for relocation.

Futher more several Civil society members in several districts of Kashmir took out a candle light march even as condemnations poured in against the killing of bhat. We condemn the killing of innocents in Kashmir… we stand in solidarity with the bereaved family,” said one of the protesters at Kupwara.

Meanwhile, Various Civil Society groups of Srinagar on Sunday lodged protest against the killing of Kashmiri Pandit, Puran Krishan Bhat who was shot dead by terrorists in Shopian yesterday. In a tweet, Srinagar district administration said, “Various Civil Society groups of Srinagar lodged protest at Lal Chowk against Killing of Puran Krishan Bhat in Shopian yesterday.People from all walks of life participated in peaceful candle March, expressed solidarity with the family of the deceased.”(KNS)