Sarpanch’s Murder Sparks Controversy in South Kashmir’s Shopian, Locals Question Army’s Role

Sarpanch’s Murder Sparks Controversy in Shopian, Locals Question Army’s Role
Residents Reject Militant Angle, Demand Independent Probe
Victim Had Allegedly Fallen Out with Political Party, Refused Army Summons
Political Rival Claims NC, PDP Behind Killing to Enforce Boycott
Slain Sarpanch Survived by Wife, Five Young Children

Srinagar, Dec 1, KNT: Residents of Nazneenpora village in South Kashmir’s Shopian district have raised serious questions over the killing of local Sarpanch Muhammad Sultan Bhat, claiming he was murdered in the presence of Army personnel, and rejecting the theory that militants were responsible.

Bhat, a former National Conference leader, was found dead in his vehicle near his home on Sunday evening. Locals told KNT that just before the incident, soldiers from the nearby 44 Rashtriya Rifles camp had entered the area, instructing residents to remain indoors and checking ID cards of those returning from Shopian market.

“At around 8:30 pm, the Army came into the village and told us to stay inside. Then, at around 9:06, we heard multiple gunshots. By 9:30, people came out and found the Sarpanch dead in his car with one of the doors open,” a local resident recounted, adding that the area had remained free of militant activity for over a decade.

Relatives of the slain Sarpanch echoed these suspicions. One of his brothers questioned how militants could operate while the Army was present. “The Army was patrolling the area when my brother was killed. How could militants carry out an attack under their watch? I don’t believe this was the work of militants,” he said, urging authorities to launch a thorough investigation.

The deceased, who is survived by his wife and five children—including four daughters—had been associated with the National Conference since 2008. However, he had recently distanced himself from the party after it sidelined former District President Shabir Ahmed Kullay. Bhat had attended a political meeting with Kullay earlier on the day of his death.

Police sources suggest that unknown gunmen intercepted Bhat’s Santro car shortly after he left the meeting and opened fire, killing him on the spot.

Shabir Ahmed Kullay, who is now contesting as an independent candidate, alleged that political motives were behind the killing. “He was my associate. Both of us had parted ways with NC. The National Conference and PDP were rattled by the support we were receiving in the constituency, so they got him eliminated to discourage voters and enforce a boycott,” Kullay told KNT.

Locals, family members, and political associates of the deceased are now demanding an impartial probe into the killing to uncover the truth behind what they describe as a cold-blooded and politically motivated murder. [KNT]