BJP leader, 2 of family killed in Kashmir militant attack

Srinagar, July 8

A BJP leader, along with his father and brother, was shot in a militant attack in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district this evening, police said.

The slain leader, Wasim Bari, was the former district president of party’s Bandipora unit. At least eight guards were part of his security detail.

Shocked and saddened. Killings despite eight security commandos. Condolences to family. —Ram Madhav, BJP National General Secretary

Police said the three were at their shop near Kaloosa bridge when the attack took place. “BJP Bandipora leader Bari was at the shop with his father Bashir Ahmad and brother Umer Bashir when unidentified terrorists opened fire, injuring them critically. They were shifted to the hospital, where all three succumbed to injuries,” a police officer said.

Sadly, the violent targeting of mainstream political workers continues unabated. —Omar Abdullah, Former J&K Chief Minister

The personal security officers were on the first floor of their house where the shop is located. “The PSOs are being questioned,” the officer said.

Soon after the incident, security forces cordoned off the area and carried out searches. No militant group has claimed responsibility.

The killing comes a month after Kashmiri Pandit sarpanch Ajay Pandita, 45, associated with the Congress was shot in Anantnag district on June 8. — TNS