Srinagar, May 19 : Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and mainstream political parties have condemned the twin militant attacks on late Saturday evening in which a former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sarpanch was killed and a Rajasthan couple was injured in south Kashmir.

Lt. Governor Sinha has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Shopian and Pahalgam.

“Free hand has been given to the security forces to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said, adding, “J&K Police, Army, and Security Forces will hunt down the terrorists and those aiding and abetting them.”.

“I am deeply shocked at the terrorist attack and the brutal killing of former Sarpanch, Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh. He was an exemplary grassroots leader and will be remembered for his selfless service to the people. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and admirers. We stand in solidarity with the family at this difficult hour, Lt. Governor said.

He said the heinous attack on tourists in Pahalgam is also distressing. “I have already instructed the Administrative and Police officials to provide the best possible treatment to the injured couple. Praying for their speedy recovery”, he added.

“The government has given free hand to the J&K Police and Security Forces to crush terrorists and their associates. I have complete faith in the bravery of our personnel, and the perpetrators of this attack will be punished soon. Our security forces will also hunt down those elements who are helping the terrorists and trying to disrupt J&K’s developmental journey.” The Lt. Governor said.

A former BJP Sarpanch, Aijaz Ahmad, was shot dead by unidentified militants at Herpora in Shopian district, while a Rajasthan couple, Tabrez and Farah, were shot and injured at Yannar Pahalgam in Anantnag district of south Kashmir. The injured are undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The twin attacks took place hours after the poll campaigning for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat in Jammu and Kashmir ended.

A pall of gloom descended on Ahmed’s village, and family members and locals were seen veiling during his funeral procession.

A video of Ahmed, which was shared by BJP Media Cell Kashmir on X, showed him telling the media that he was a former stone pelter and giving credit for his transformation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

His killing has triggered widespread condemnation.

“Sorry to hear about the twin militant attacks in South Kashmir against tourists and a political worker of the BJP. I unequivocally condemn these deadly attacks. My condolences to the family of Aijaz Ahmed. May Allah grant him a place in Jannat. I also pray that Tabrez and Farah, from Jaipur in Rajasthan, make a complete recovery,” National Conference Vice President Omar posted on X.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti, while condemning the incidents, said, “The timing of these attacks given that the south election was delayed without any reason is a cause of concern, especially keeping in mind normalcy claims touted by the Government of India.”

BJP J&K president Ravinder Raina blamed Pakistani terrorists for the attack.

“Coward Pakistani terrorists once again bleed humanity in Kashmir. The martyrdom of BJP Leader #Ajaz_Ahmad_Sheikh Sahib in Shopian (Kashmir) will not go in vain. Culprits will be taken to task at any cost. My heartfelt condolences to the family members. RIP,” Raina posted on X.

The Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) leader Ghulam Nabi Azad termed these acts of violence “against humanity and must be denounced by all.” “The government must take this seriously; this must stop,” he posted on X.

Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Lone strongly condemned the killing of Sarpanch Aijaz Ahmed in Shopian and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.

“May his family find the strength to bear this loss. May Allah grant him Jannat,” Sajad posted on X.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader M.Y. Tarigami, while strongly condemning the militant attacks in Shopian and Anantnag areas, said, “Violence is not a solution, but rather perpetuates suffering and instability.”

UNI