AJKPC Demands NIA Probe into Killing of Ex-Sarpanch in Shopian

The All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC) has voiced its strong condemnation following the tragic demise of a former sarpanch, Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, who was fatally attacked by terrorists in Shopian. This incident occurred on the eve of the Lok Sabha elections in Baramulla, marking a somber moment in the region's ongoing struggle with violence. The AJKPC has called for an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the attack, highlighting the need for a thorough examination of the circumstances leading to Sheikh's death.

On the same night, another act of violence was reported in Anantnag, where a tourist couple from Rajasthan sustained injuries in a separate terrorist attack. These incidents have cast a shadow over the safety measures in place for both locals and visitors in Kashmir. Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, who had affiliations with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was promptly taken to a hospital after the attack but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.

The AJKPC, representing Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members, has also put forth a demand for appropriate compensation for the family of the deceased sarpanch. Anil Sharma, President of AJKPC, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to acknowledge the gravity of Sheikh’s murder and to ensure that justice is served swiftly. Sharma's statement underscored the urgency of bringing the perpetrators to justice and preventing such heinous acts in the future.

Sharma criticized the police for their inability to provide sufficient security to PRI members, citing that over two dozen PRI members have lost their lives in the past five years due to terrorist activities. These sacrifices, he noted, were made in the pursuit of democracy and have highlighted the risks faced by individuals serving in public roles against a backdrop of anti-national forces.

The demand for enhanced security measures was emphasized, with Sharma advocating for an unbiased approach in assessing threats and providing security. He stressed that no discrimination should occur based on social, political, or economic status when considering requests for security, urging that decisions be made based on actual threat perceptions.

This call to action by the AJKPC reflects a broader concern for the safety of elected officials and citizens in areas prone to terrorist attacks. The organization's demands highlight a critical need for reassessment and strengthening of security protocols to protect individuals serving their communities under challenging circumstances.