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Retired Army personnel Manzoor Ahmad Wagay was killed in a terrorist attack in Kulgam, south Kashmir. His wife Aayeena and daughter were injured. Security forces have launched a search operation.
The ex-Army man succumbed to his injuries during treatment. (Image: News18)
A retired Army personnel was killed after terrorists opened fire at him and his family in Kulgam district of south Kashmir. The attack took place when they were sitting near their home in Behibagh area in the district.
According to sources, the former soldier was shot in stomach while his two family members, including his wife, were shot in leg. The slain retired Army has been identified as Manzoor Ahmad Wagay and his wife as Aayeena.
Soon after they were shifted to a hospital for treatment. The ex-Army man succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Following the attack, security forces have cordoned off the affected area and launched a search operation to track down the terrorists.
According to initial statements recorded by police and army officials, Wagay, a former member of the Territorial Army, sustained additional bullet wounds while attempting to protect his niece, news agency PTI reported.
The terrorists, suspected to be associated with banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, fired upon Wagay as he returned home.
The incident marks the first attack on a civilian this year as Wagay had retired from the Territorial Army in 2021. Family members said that after his military service, Wagay had engaged in livestock rearing.
The attack comes more than a month after security forces killed five terrorists, including the self-styled commander of Hizbul Mujahideen Farooq Ahmed Bhat, at Kadder located in Beehi Bagh.
J&K CM Condemns Attack
The Office of Chief Minister, J&K, condemned the attack and expressed grief over the killing of Manzoor Ahmad Wagay.
In a post of X, the CMO tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the tragic killing of ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay Sahab in Kulgam. My heartfelt condolences to his family, and prayers for the swift recovery of his injured wife and daughter. Such heinous violence has no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest terms. May peace and justice prevail (sic).”
Perpetrators Will Be Punished Soon: LG
The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the Kulgam terrorist attack and condoled the killing of Wagay.
LG Manoj Sinha said, “I strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack on Shri Manzoor Ahmad Wagay and his family in Kulgam. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief. I have instructed the officials to provide the best possible treatment to the injured. Praying for their speedy recovery. I assure the people that the perpetrators of this cowardly attack will be punished soon.”
Former J&K CM and PDP chief Mehbooba also condoled the death and prayed for swift recovery of the two injured.
Mufti tweeted, “Terribly saddened to know about the heinous killing of Manzoor Ahmed Waghey by militants in Kulgam today. Deepest condolences to his family & prayers for the swift recovery of his wife & daughter (sic).”
Meanwhile Altaf Bukhari, president of the Apni Party and former minister, denounced the attack, labelling it a cowardly act.
“I am deeply saddened to hear that terrorists have attacked and killed an ex-Army man and injured his wife and daughter in Kulgam. This attack is highly condemnable, and I have full confidence that our security agencies will swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he added.
Kulgam MLA and veteran CPM leader M Y Tarigami said, “Condemning, in no uncertain terms, the killing of former (territorial) army man Manzoor Ahmad Wagay in Behibagh. The dastardly attack left his wife and daughter injured. Such attacks won’t serve any purpose. Urging authorities to ensure best possible treatment to the injured.”
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Jammu and Kashmir, India, India