Azad condemns attack on spiritual leader

Srinagar, June 23 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has expressed anguish and shock over the ''cowardly grenade attack'' on spiritual leader Ahad 'Sahab' at Sopore yesterday.

In a statement, the Chief Minister said he was shocked to know that two devotees had died and many others were wounded in the attack.

He said these ''cowardly'' acts by militants have not only isolated them from the people who now hate them.

Mr Azad termed as ''unpardonable'' these brutal acts in which the innocent people were killed. The state, particularly the Valley, has remained a seat of great saints, he added.

The Chief Minister hoped that good sense will prevail upon militants so that they stop such brutal activities.

He warned elements responsible for such acts and said that time was fast approaching when the people would identify and bring them to justice.

''They should read the writing on the wall and stop their trade of death,'' Mr Azad added.

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