Farooq Abdullah Demands International Investigation into Recent Killings in J&K
Poonch, May 19: Condemning the recent shootings of a man and a couple by terrorists in Shopian and Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Chief Farooq Abdullah emphasized that terrorism remains a persistent threat in the region.
“Terrorism still exists here. No matter which party member he (BJP leader and ex-Sarpanch Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh) belonged to, targeting somebody needs to be investigated. Whether he was killed by terrorists or people here, before pointing fingers at somebody, it needs to be investigated fast,” Farooq Abdullah stated in an exclusive interview with ANI.
Abdullah highlighted the negative impact such attacks have on the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that tourists were also targeted in Pahalgam, which poses a significant threat to the region’s economic stability.
“Tourists were also attacked in Pahalgam. This is a tragedy; it is affecting our tourism industry,” said the JKNC chief, underlining the broader repercussions of the ongoing violence.
Calling for international intervention, Abdullah demanded that recent killings be investigated by international agencies. He stressed the need for creating international pressure to address and curb terrorism effectively.
“Yesterday, I said that until terrorism stops, there won’t be any talks with our neighboring country (Pakistan). We need cooperation from them. We need to identify the person who is coming here and killing the innocent. International pressure must be created, and international investigating agencies must probe the matter,” he added.
The recent violence included the killing of former BJP Sarpanch Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh and the wounding of a couple from Jaipur in separate incidents in Shopian and Anantnag districts, respectively, late on Saturday night.
In Anantnag, terrorists fired upon and injured Farha and her spouse, Tabrez, both residents of Jaipur, in the Yannar area of South Kashmir. The couple was evacuated to the hospital for treatment, and their condition is reported to be stable.
These incidents underscore the ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir and the urgent need for comprehensive investigations and international cooperation to restore peace and stability in the region.
