Family members perform rituals during the last rites of Deepu Kumar who was shot dead in Anantnag district on Monday, in Udhampur district, on May 30, 2023. | Photo Credit: PTI
Political Leaders Condemn Killing
Udhampur- Deepu Kumar, who was gunned down by militants in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, was cremated near his native village here on Tuesday, with Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina terming the killing as unfortunate that has shamed humanity.
Kumar (27), who worked at a circus in the Janglat Mandi area in the south Kashmir district, was shot dead by Lashkar-e-Taiba militants when he had gone to the market to buy milk around 8.30 pm on Monday.
His body was on Tuesday moved to his remote Thial village in Udhampur district where it was received by villagers amid anti-Pakistan sloganeering.
The body was later taken to a nearby cremation ground where the last last rites were performed. The pyre was lit by Kumar’s nephew in accordance with family tradition and rituals.
“This is a very unfortunate incident which shames humanity. His father is on the death-bed and his elder brother is blind. He was the only bread earner for the family,” Raina, who was among several BJP workers who joined the last rites of the deceased, told PTI.
He said the perpetrators of the gruesome crime have done a great injustice to the poor family.
“What was his crime for which he was brutally killed? An innocent blood was shed and those who have done this have committed a great sin,” Raina said, adding “the culprits cannot escape the law here and the creator too will not forgive them”.
The BJP leader said he spoke to the Lt Governor and sought adequate compensation for the poor family. “I am hopeful that the government will come out with a proper rehabilitation plan for them”.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has approved an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of Kumar.
Hailing from remote Thial village of Majalta, about 60 kms from the Udhampur district headquarters, Kumar was a sole breadwinner in a joint family comprising his pregnant wife, ailing father besides blind brother, his wife and two children who are putting up together in a single-storey mud-house on a slope in the village.
Reacting to the killing, the Jammu chapter of J-K High Court Bar Association termed it as “dastardly act” and voiced concern about the game-plan of militants and their masters across the border in selectively targeting the peace-loving civilians.
Chairing a condolence meeting inside the court complex in Jammu, Bar president Vikram Sharma appreciated the offensive mounted by security forces against the perpetrators of crime to bring them to book.
“We hope such incidents are not allowed to recur and that the terrorism shall soon be wiped out,” he said, urging the government to give a befitting response to those waging war against the country from within and outside.
Political Leaders Condemn Civilian’s Killing In Anantnag
Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday condemned the killing of a civilian by militants in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district and sought strict security measures to prevent such targeted killings.
Deepu Kumar (27), who worked at a circus in the district’s Janglat Mandi area, was gunned down by Lashkar-e-Taiba militants in the latest incident of targeted killing when he had gone to the market to buy milk around 8.30 pm on Monday.
Singh, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office wrote on Twitter, “While on a visit to Chennai, I was extremely shocked to learn about the brutal killing of young Deepu who hailed from Majalta, district Udhampur and was earning meagre livelihood in Anantnag. BJP Karyakartas have already reached the house of the bereaved family to provide all possible help.
“While strongly condemning the killing of this youth from a poor family, it is strongly urged that strict security measures be enforced to prevent such target killings and also to act as deterrent against terror activities.”
Kumar hailed from Udhampur district, represented in the Lok Sabha by Singh.
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also condemned the attack and said the government and the entire nation is standing shoulder to shoulder with the family.
“Our security forces remain committed in their resolve to thwart the designs of terrorists and all efforts will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said in a statement late on Monday.
Leaders of all political parties also expressed their condemnation.
Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti said in a tweet, “Deeply anguished by yet another attack on an innocent civilian in Anantnag. Deepu eked out his living by working at an amusement park. My heart goes out to his family in this hour of grief. This speaks volumes about GOI’s policy which have been a monumental failure in J-K.”
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah tweeted, “Pained by the news of yet another targeted attack against a civilian in Anantnag area of South Kashmir. The murder of Deepak who worked with a travelling circus to earn an honest living is an abomination and I condemn this militant attack unreservedly. May Deepak’s soul rest in peace.”
Condemning the killing, Democratic Progressive Azad Party chief Ghulam Nabi Azad said “terrorism is a menace that needs to be fought by all collectively”.
“Strongly condemn the heinous act of killing Deepu of Udhampur by terrorists in Anantnag. Terrorism is a menace that needs to be fought by us collectively. It is a curse against humanity!” Azad said in a tweet.
He also expressed solidarity with the victim’s family and urged the authorities to bring the culprits to justice.
Sajad Lone, chairman of the People’s Conference, tweeted, “The killing of Deepu by terrorists in Anantnag is yet another incident of savagery. In wonderment how does the killing of a civilian help anybody. Deepu was here in search of livelihood for himself and his family. And May Allah burn in hell those thugs who killed him.”
The 27-year-old Kumar was expecting his first child in June and was the sole breadwinner in his family.
Kumar’s body was on Tuesday taken to his remote Thial village where, in a heart-wrenching gesture, locals came forward to help the Below Poverty Line-family perform his last rites.
A little-known outfit, Kashmir Freedom Fighter, believed to be a shadow outfit of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the killing.
LG Sanctions Rs 5L Ex-Gratia For Kin
Meanwhile Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday approved an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of Deepu Kumar who was killed by militants in Anantnag district, officials said.
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