Kashmiri Pandit shot dead by terrorists in J&K’s Pulwama

Kashmiri Pandit shot dead by terrorists in J&K’s Pulwama

A Kashmiri Pandit working as a security guard at a bank was shot dead by militants in south Kashmir's Pulwama on Sunday morning, in yet another attack on the region's minority community, according to police.

According to officials, on Sunday morning, Sanjay Sharma was shot by suspected militants in the Achan village of Pulwama. Sharma, who sustained serious injuries during the attack, was rushed to the hospital, where he passed away from his injuries.

Terrorists fired upon one civilian from minority namely Sanjay Sharma
S/O Kashinath Sharma R/O Achan Pulwama while on way to local market. He was shifted to hospital however, he succumbed to injuries. There was Armed guard in his village. Area cordoned off. Details shall follow.

— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) February 26, 2023

The Kashmir zone police tweeted that "terrorists fired upon one civilian from minority, namely Sanjay Sharma S/O Kashinath Sharma R/O Achan Pulwama while on route to the local market." "He was taken to the hospital, but he passed away from his injuries. In his village, there was an armed guard, it continued. Soon after, the area was blocked off by the police, army, and paramilitary units in an effort to apprehend the alleged militants.

An armed guard has been deployed in the village for the protection of the minority community and an investigation is underway, police said.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of South Kashmir Police Rayees Muhammad Bhat said that those responsible for the murder would be identified soon.

"We are moving quickly and monitoring the situation. Soon, the terrorists responsible for this heinous attack will be identified and eliminated," Bhat told reporters.

Last year there were targeted killings in Kashmir. Many of the victims were migrant workers or Kashmiri Pandits.

Union Home Minister Nithyanand Rai recently told the Rajya Sabha that 14 people from minority communities, including three Kashmiri Pandits, were killed in Jammu and Kashmir last year.