Civilians continue to be targeted in Kashmir; TV actress becomes latest victim
Ambreen Bhat, a popular television actress in the Valley, was shot outside her home in Budgam district
Ambreen Bhat, a television actress, was killed and her 10-year-old nephew was shot by suspected militants in Chadoora town in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district on Wednesday evening, police said.
According to the police, Bhat, who is known for her roles in television shows, and her nephew, Farhan Zubair, were shot outside their home in Chadoora’s Hushroo neighbourhood. Zubair is recovering from a bullet wound in his arm and is in stable condition.
Ambreen Bhat had worked in various serials featured on the DD Kashir channel while she had also switched to YouTube a few months back to publish her videos on her channel.
After the attack on Ambreen, the area was blocked off in order to apprehend the gunmen, suspected of being associated with the militant organization Lashkar-e-Taiba, according to authorities. However, no arrests have been made by the security forces so far.
J&K Police statement about the attack
Later in the evening on Wednesday, J&K Police issued a statement in connection with the civilian killing.
“Today at about 1955 hrs, police received information about a terror crime incident in Hushroo Chadoora area of Budgam where terrorists fired upon one lady and her nephew. Senior police officers along with reinforcement reached at the terror crime spot,” the statement said.
It added, “Preliminary investigation revealed that terrorists had fired upon one lady namely Amreen daughter of Khazir Mohammad Bhat, resident of Hushroo Chadoora at her home. In this terror crime incident, the lady and her nephew namely Farhan Zubair (10 yrs old) received gunshot injuries. Both were immediately evacuated to nearby hospital for the treatment, however the lady was declared brought dead. While as the condition of the boy who has received bullet injury on his arm is stated to be stable.”
According to the police, the attack was carried out by the militants belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit. “Three terrorists of proscribed terror outfit LeT were involved in this heinous terror incident. The whole area has been cordoned off and search operation is in progress.”
Meanwhile, police said it has registered a case in this regard under relevant sections of law. “Investigation is in progress and officers continue to work to establish the full circumstances of this terror crime.”
Local political parties condemn the attack
Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed his condolences.
In a tweet, he said he was shocked and extremely saddened by the terrible militant attack on Ambreen Bhat.
As per the former chief minister, there is no excuse for harming women and children who are innocent. “May Allah give her place in Jannat (heaven),” Omar prayed.
J&K People’s Conference said it strongly condemns the mindless violence that resulted in the death of TV actress Ambreen Bhat and the injury of her 10-year-old nephew. “Our heartfelt condolences to Ambreen’s family, and may her soul rest in peace.”
Usman Majid, vice-president of the Apni Party, stated that the party strongly condemns the killing of the TV actress and called it a senseless act of violence. “May her soul find peace and her family find strength in this hour of grief.”
It is pertinent to mention here that the latest civilian killing comes within 24 hours after the suspected militants killed a policeman Saifullah Qadri and wounded his nine-year-old daughter in Anchar locality of Soura area in Srinagar city on Tuesday.
