Ex-soldier killed, spouse, relative injured in Kulgam militant attack

JAMMU — A former soldier was killed and his wife and their relative’s girl Sana (13) were injured in a militant attack in Behibagh area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday.

Identified as Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, the ex-soldier had retired as Lance Naik in 162 Territorial Army.

Soon after the strike, a joint team of police, paramilitary forces, and the army cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to locate the attackers.

According to the news agency ANB, the militants opened fire on Manzoor Ahmad Wagay and his family. “They were quickly rushed to the hospital. Wagay succumbed to his injuries, while his wife and their relative’s girl were in stable condition,” unnamed officials were quoted as having said.

A police official confirmed that Wagay was shot in the abdomen, while his wife and relative’s girl sustained injuries in the legs.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has strongly condemned the heinous attack. He paid homage to Manzoor Ahmad Wagay.

“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,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed deep sorrow over the killing. On his social media handle, Omar said, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic killing of ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay in Kulgam. My heartfelt condolences to his family and prayers for the swift recovery of his injured wife and daughter.”