JAMMU, Nov 12: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party Provincial President Jammu, Manjit Singh, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of two Special Police Officers (SPOs), Babi Chand and Rashpal Kumar, whose bullet-riddled bodies were recovered in the remote Dachhan area of Kishtwar district, describing the incident as a grave challenge to the hard-earned peace and security of Jammu and Kashmir.
Expressing profound grief over the loss of two precious lives, Manjit Singh said that the killing of personnel who were serving the people and protecting the region was deeply disturbing and demanded an uncompromising response from the security establishment.
He said, “The killing of two SPOs in Kishtwar is not merely an attack on two individuals; it is an attack on the security, peace and collective conscience of Jammu and Kashmir. Such barbaric acts are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible words. Our heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families. The entire society stands with them in this hour of immense grief.”
Manjit Singh asserted that the recurrence of such incidents in the Chenab Valley, particularly in the remote and strategically important areas of Kishtwar, should serve as a serious warning that the remaining elements of the terrorist support network must be identified and dismantled through a comprehensive security response.
He said the government and security agencies must undertake a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and bring the perpetrators and their supporters to justice. He emphasised that accountability must extend to every element facilitating terrorism, while innocent civilians must never be subjected to harassment or collective blame.
The Apni Party Provincial President also expressed concern over the attack on CRPF personnel in Kulgam, in which three personnel were injured, saying that simultaneous security-related incidents in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir underline the need for sustained vigilance and stronger coordination among security agencies.
“Peace cannot be taken for granted. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered immensely because of terrorism and violence. They want security, stability, employment, tourism and development, not another cycle of fear and uncertainty. No power should be allowed to reverse the progress made towards restoring normalcy,” he said.
Highlighting the immense tourism and economic potential of Marwah, Warwan and Dachhan, Manjit Singh said that continued security concerns were depriving these areas of opportunities for tourism, investment and employment. He urged the government to strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable areas, ensure the safety of local residents and security personnel, and take confidence-building measures to prevent the resurgence of terrorism.
Manjit Singh further said that the families of the slain SPOs deserved every possible assistance, including adequate financial compensation and employment-related support under applicable rules.He concluded by saying that **terrorism has no place in a democratic society, and Jammu and Kashmir must move forward on the path of peace, dignity and development. Those attempting to disturb communal harmony and destabilise the region must never be allowed to succeed.