Farooq Abdullah Calls for Investigation into Kulgam Terror Attack
Demand for Inquiry into Kulgam Attack
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference President, Farooq Abdullah, has urged for a thorough investigation into the recent terrorist attack in Kulgam that resulted in the deaths of two migrant workers from Chhattisgarh. He raised concerns about the timing of such incidents, questioning why they occur whenever his party advocates for the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to reporters in Baramulla district of North Kashmir, Abdullah expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, 'We do not even know who killed them and how. There should be a fair investigation to identify the perpetrators.'
Concerns Over Timing of Attacks
Abdullah, who has served as Chief Minister three times, also questioned the pattern of these events coinciding with calls for statehood. Alongside him, Cabinet Minister Javed Rana and Jammu and Kashmir's Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Chaudhary echoed similar concerns regarding the timing of the attack. Rana suggested that certain agencies may not want statehood restored and could be involved in the killings, demanding a proper investigation into the matter.
Calls for Action Against Elements Opposing Statehood
Chaudhary added that there are elements opposed to the restoration of statehood, which could be linked to these murders. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into the killings occurring in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that if Pakistan is involved, action should be taken against it. In response to Abdullah's statements, opposition leader Sunil Sharma criticized him, questioning whether the NC president was supporting terrorism.
Details of the Attack
Sharma remarked that the issue of restoring statehood is a matter for Parliament to decide and has no connection to terrorism. He accused Abdullah of claiming innocence for terrorists whenever they are punished. On Friday evening, terrorists opened fire at a brick kiln in the Kulgam district, targeting migrant workers from Chhattisgarh. Two workers, Deepak Ratre and Bhupinder, aged between 20 and 25, were severely injured in the attack and later succumbed to their injuries.