Kashmiri Pandit shot dead by terrorists cremated at Jammu

Jammu: A Kashmiri Pandit who was shot dead by the terrorists in Shopian, was cremated amidst a sea of heavy emotions at Bantalab here in the city outskirts.

Puran Krishan Bhat was gunned down by terrorists outside his ancestral house in the Chowdhary Gund area in Shopian district of South Kashmir on Saturday in his orchards.

The body of the deceased arrived here late on Saturday night and was received by the family members and relatives.

The mortal remains of the slain Kashmiri Pandit were consigned to flames with emotional and tearful adieu by daughter Shriya and five-year old son Shanu.

Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar along with senior police officers also attended the last rites of Bhat.

The relatives and the community members raised anti-administration slogans alleging that the government has failed in securing the Kashmiri Hindus in the Valley.

They also demanded Rs 50 lakh ex-gratia and a government job to the wife of the deceased, besides immediate relocation of Hindu employees outside the valley till the security situation becomes normal.

Panun Kashmir Chairman of Ajay Chrungoo said the government must pass the ‘Prevention of Genocide and Atrocities Bill’ as proposed by their organisation.

Meanwhile, convener Panun Kashmir Agnishekhar the claims by the government of normalcy in the Kashmir valley have fallen flat.

The Kashmiri Pandit Sabha Jammu condemned the killing of Puran Krishan Bhat and expressed anguish over yet another targeted killing of minorities which has continued unabated for over more than one year in which about thirty innocents have been killed by terrorists till now.

“Almost two years have seen gruesome killings taking place and yet there has been no change in the administrative setup responsible for governance of the UT,” said Sabha president K K Khosa. (UNI)