Kharge Condemns Killing of Two SPOs in J-K's Kishtwar, Says India Remains United Against Terrorism

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday strongly condemned the killing of two Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, asserting that terrorist attacks would not weaken the country's determination to defend its people and maintain peace. He emphasised that India remained united and resolute in its fight against terrorism.

Kharge expressed deep anguish over the deaths of the two police personnel, which came just a day after three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured in a terrorist attack in Kulgam district. Paying tribute to the deceased officers, he praised their courage and sacrifice while extending condolences to their families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured jawans. Kharge reiterated that no act of terrorism could shake India's collective commitment to protecting its citizens, defending the nation and preserving peace.

The two SPOs, identified as Babi Chand, 57, and Rashpal Kumar, 45, were found dead with bullet injuries in the remote Dachhan area of Kishtwar on Thursday morning. Both personnel were attached to the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the local police and were posted at Kiyar village. They had reportedly gone missing on Wednesday while travelling from their camp towards an Army post at Dharna-Marwah.

Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar also expressed grief over the incident, describing the killings as deeply tragic. Speaking to ANI, she said the bodies of the two personnel were recovered at around 8 am and 9 am, respectively, on Thursday morning. Their deaths have raised fresh concerns over the security situation in the remote parts of the district.

Jammu and Kashmir Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma termed the killings extremely unfortunate and expressed concern over the continued presence of networks allegedly supporting terrorism in the region. The BJP leader claimed that terrorists had abducted the two SPOs while they were travelling through a dense forest area in Dachhan.

Sharma said that although peace was gradually returning to Jammu and Kashmir, remnants of the ecosystem that once facilitated terrorist activities had not been completely dismantled. He alleged that such attacks were attempts by frustrated terrorist elements to demonstrate their continued presence in the region. Security forces continued a major cordon and search operation in Kulgam district following an attack on CRPF personnel at a checkpoint in Nowpora Akhran. The incident took place around 2:15 pm on Wednesday when unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire on the security personnel before fleeing the area.

Three CRPF personnel sustained injuries in the shooting and were shifted to a hospital in Anantnag district for treatment. Following the attack, security forces launched an extensive cordon and search operation that continued for nearly 17 hours on Thursday as efforts were made to trace the attackers. The back-to-back incidents in Kishtwar and Kulgam have renewed concerns over security in Jammu and Kashmir. While security agencies continue operations to prevent terrorist activities and maintain stability, the latest attacks underline the challenges faced by personnel deployed in vulnerable and remote areas of the Union Territory.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.