KP Employee Shot
bullets were shot at his shoulder while a single bullet had pierced through his chest which had caused fatal injury to the internal organs,” SMHS Medical Superintendent, Dr Kanwaljeet Singh told Kashmir Observer.
Bhat, he said, was brought in a serious condition to the hospital.
“However, even before we could operate upon him, he succumbed to his injuries,” he added.
Police said that two militants carried out the attack on Bhat using a pistol.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that 2 terrorists are involved in this heinous crime & have used pistol for committing this crime, the Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.
A hunt has been launched to track down the assailants.
Hitherto unknown outfit, ‘Kashmir Tigers’, has claimed responsibility for Bhat’s killing.
There has been a spurt in attacks on nonMuslims and outsiders living in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
As many as 14 people belonging to Jammu and Kashmir’s minority community, including Kashmiri Pandits, were killed by militants between August 2019 and March 2022.
Those targeted by the extremists included prominent businessmen, sarpanchs and block development council members in various parts of Kashmir.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and political parties in Kashmir condemned Bhat’s killing.
“I strongly condemn the barbaric killing of Rahul Bhat by terrorists at Budgam. Those behind this despicable terror attack will not go unpunished. J&K Govt stands in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief, Sinha tweeted.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) tweeted, “We unequivocally condemn the killing of Rahul Bhat ji, who was working as an employee in revenue dept Budgam. Despite deployment of security forces in every nook & corner of the valley, even govt offices aren’t safe. Our thoughts, prayers are with the family in this hour of grief.”
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said, “I unequivocally condemn the murderous militant attack on Rahul Bhat. Rahul was a government employee working in the Tehsil office in Chadoora where he was attacked. Targeted killings continue & a sense of fear grows unchecked. My heartfelt condolences to Rahul’s family. RIP.”
“This young man had his entire life ahead of him & to know that his life was so cruelly extinguished today is tragic,” he said.
BJP spokesman Altaf Thakur strongly denounced the cowardly act by militants.
The attackers must be brought to justice, he added.
The Congress, while condemning the killing, said the perpetrators of such heinous crimes should know that they cannot achieve anything by such inhuman acts.
The Peoples Conference led by Sajad Lone also condemned the killing and extended sympathies and unwavering support to the family of the victim.
While strongly condemning the attack, Apni Party President Syed Mohammed Altaf Bukhari said that it is very tragic to see this senseless bloodshed of innocents.
“Our fellow Kashmiris are suffering due to acts of violence and there seems to be no end to this madness, he said.
“Such targeted killings of members of minority community is reprehensible and the people of Kashmir won’t accept this bloodshed,” he added. (With PTI inputs)