Tearful adieu given to slain Defence guards in J&K's Kishtwar; villagers demand ex gratia for victim families

Last rites of Village Defence Guards killed by terrorists in Kishtwar, Jammu performed, locals demand security and relief.

The last rites of the two Village Defence Guards (VDG) killed by terrorists were performed near their village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Saturday (November 9, 2024), with locals demanding security and adequate relief, including a Government job for each of the two families.

The bodies of Nazir Ahmed (42) and Kuldeep Kumar (40) were found near a rivulet deep inside the Kuntwara forest on Friday after a hectic 12-hour-long search operation.

“The hunt for the terrorists behind the gruesome incident was underway, with additional forces mobilised from adjoining areas on Saturday to extend the cordon,” officials said.

The bodies of the two Village Defence Guards reached their homes in Ohli village late Friday (November 8, 2024) night.

“The post-mortem examination of the bodies was conducted in the village in the morning, which confirmed that they were shot in the head from behind,” the officials said, adding that the victims were found blindfolded and their hands tied to their backs.

They said the terrorists used a pistol to kill the unarmed VDGs, who had gone to the forest area to graze their cattle on Thursday (November 7, 2024). Mr. Kumar lost his father, Amar Chand, over a week ago, and this was his first trip to the forest area after the tragedy; otherwise, it was his friend Ahmad who took care of his livestock during the mourning period.

While Mr. Ahmad was the first to be laid to rest at the local graveyard, Mr. Kumar's cremation took place in the periphery of the village, with the participants chanting anti-Pakistan and anti-terrorism slogans.