Murder of Rahul Bhat: A Kashmiri Pandit was shot dead by terrorists in central Kashmir's Budgam district on Thursday. Rahul Bhat, who worked in the Tehsildar's office, was shot when he was working in his office in the Chadoora area.
Rahul was working as a clerk in the Tehsildar office. Terrorists shot Rahul Bhat after entering the Tehsil office in Chadoora. This is the third incident of violence against Kashmiri Pandits this year.
The anger and outrage of people across the country including Jammu and Kashmir have come to the fore against this incident. People have demonstrated against this killing in many places.
The Kashmiri Pandit community blocked the Jammu-Srinagar highway and Baramulla - Srinagar road in protest against Rahul's killing. Demonstrations were held by placing Rahul's body on the road.
The demonstration of Kashmiri Pandits continued till late at night. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has also given a statement. Manoj Sinha has said that the guilty will not be spared.
Police say that after being shot, Rahul was admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment where doctors declared him brought dead. According to the reports, the police said that two terrorists were involved in the attack.
Terrorists shot Rahul from point-blank. The Kashmir Tigers group has claimed the responsibility for this murder. This terrorist group has said that the same fate will happen to Kashmiri Hindus in future also.
After the murder of Rahul (30), Kashmiri Pandits are angry in Kashmir. According to reports, protests against the killing took place in Qazigund, Pulwama, Budgam, Gandbal and Baramulla.
The protesters said they would resign en masse if the killings of Kashmiri Pandits were not stopped. People raised slogans demanding protection.
At the same time, PDP, NC including BJP have strongly condemned this murder. After this attack, personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and paramilitary forces surrounded the area and started a search operation.
Rahul lived with his wife and six-year-old girl in a government house in Sheikhpura village in Budgam district. Government housing has been constructed here under the welfare scheme of the Central Government for Kashmiri Pandits.
Rahul was appointed in 2011 and his first posting was in Budgam. BJP state president Ravindra Raina said that those who are involved in this heinous crime will be punished soon.
