LG sanctions Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia, protests held

TNN Bureau. Updated: 5/31/2023 3:01:34 AM

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday approved an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of Deepu Kumar who was killed by terrorists in Anantnag district, officials said.
Kumar (27), who worked at a circus in the district's Janglat Mandi area, was gunned down by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists when he had gone to the market to buy milk around 8.30 pm on Monday.
The Lt Governor also approved Rs 5 lakh each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in a tragic bus accident in Jammu and Rs 50,000 each for those seriously injured, they officials said.
Ten Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims, most of them from Bihar, were killed and 57 others injured on Tuesday when their bus skidded off the road and rammed into the railing of a bridge before falling off it.
Earlier scores of people took to the streets in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district, protesting the targeted killing of a man by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in Anantnag.
Led by Khayal Sunhal panchayat member Rajesh Kumar, the protesters assembled at Batal Chowk, blocking the Dhar Road and raised anti-Pakistan slogans.
"A wave of sorrow spread across Majalta when news of his killing spread in the area. Entire family was dependent on him. The terrorist came on a motorcycle and fired on him as he was a Hindu boy," Kumar told reporters.
Kumar also urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure the sustenance of the victim's family, consisting of a blind brother and aged parents. He was the sole breadwinner of the family, Kumar said.
On Monday, the man was shot dead when he had gone to a market for purchasing milk in Anantnag.
The worker, identified as Deepu Kumar (27) from Udhampur district of Jammu region, was working in a circus that was camping at Janglaat Mandi area. Police said the circus camp had security protection.
According to police, the victim had gone to a nearby market to purchase milk when two motorcycle-borne youths fired three bullets at him from a close range at 8.30 pm.
The worker was taken to a hospital where he was declared brought dead, they said.
A little known outfit, Kashmir Freedom Fighter, believed to be a shadow outfit of banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the killing.
Police said a case has been registered and they have intensified the search for the killers.


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