Terrorists on Thursday killed two members of Village Defense Guard (VDG) in Kishtwar district while an encounter erupted between terrorists and security forces in Sopore in north Kashmir.
Officials said two VDGs Kuldeep Kumar, son of Amar Chand; and Nazir Ahmad, son of Mohammad Khalid, both residents of Ohil Kuntwara – were kidnapped by terrorists.
They were later killed by the abductors.
The terror outfit ‘Kashmir Tigers’ while owning the killings shared the purported pictures of the slain duo on social media.
Village Defence Guards (VDGs) have been raised by the government to assist security forces in tackling militancy.
There has been a surge in terror attacks and encounters in Jammu and Kashmir since the Omar Abdullah government assumed power.
National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah and vice president and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the gruesome killing of two VDGs in Kishtwar.
The leaders said that such acts of barbaric violence remain a significant impediment in achieving the long-lasting peace in J&K.
“In this hour of grief, their thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased,” the NC wrote on X.
Meanwhile, an encounter has erupted between a group of terrorists and security forces in Sopore in north Kashmir.
“On 07 Nov 24, based on specific intelligence regarding presence of terrorists, a joint Operation launched by the #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice in Panipura, Sopore, #Baramulla. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. Own troops effectively retaliated. Operation is in progress,” army said on X, formerly twitter.
It is suspected that a group of 2-3 terrorists is trapped in the area.