Tranquil Kashmir and the village of Hirpora, Shopian resonated with gunshots on Saturday night. These bullets did not just pierce the silence but also the hearts of the community. Aijaz Sheikh was a former Sarpanch and ardent supporter of PM Modi. Terrorists brutally murdered him at point-blank range on Saturday night. His death marks a dark chapter in the ongoing struggle for peace and democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. Thus, while the militants disrupt the peace and polls in the valley, tourists and leaders become their prime targets. Let’s talk!
Aijaz Sheikh – A Devoted Kashmir Citizen Shot Dead
Aijaz Sheikh was more than just a political figure. He was a beacon of hope for his community and a vocal Modi Bhakt. Elected as sarpanch five years ago, Sheikh tirelessly worked towards the development of the Hirpora. Thereby, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow villagers.
Aijaz Ahmed Sheikh shot dead in Kashmir by Jihadis for choosing democracy over stoning for ₹500. pic.twitter.com/9B84ie6gpT
— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) May 19, 2024
He had given many media bytes displaying his unwavering support of PM Modi’s vision for Kashmir and Bharat. In an interview, Sheikh had given credit to PM Modi for saving him from a life of degenerate stone-pelting anit-India zombies. Aijaz Sheikh had publicly accepted that he was part of stone-pelting gangs in the region since the age of 10. Similarly, many unemployed youth of Kashmir became a handy tool in the anti-India. Due to the lack of jobs, development, or progress; the only way to survive for these groups of young Kashmiris was to stay on the payroll of such gangs.
The man named Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh who's praising the development work in Kashmir under Modi gvt is kiIIed in a terrorist attack today….. 😡
(The video is from 2 April 2024…)
pic.twitter.com/J72MhRNIBN— Mr Sinha (Modi's family) (@MrSinha_) May 18, 2024
However, Sheikh praised the BJP’s developmental efforts for Kashmir. At public forums and on social media, he would laud PM Modi’s initiatives. Moreover, his viral media bytes would urge the Kashmiri people to go forth and vote for a progressive Kashmir under the BJP. His outspoken and honest videos made him a recognizable figure far beyond his village.
Terrorists Claim Kashmiri Leader’s Life
Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh was an exemplary grassroots leader & will be remembered for his selfless service. The Govt has given free hand to the @JmuKmrPolice & Forces to crush terrorists & their associates : J&K LG Shri @manojsinha_ said on the brutal killing of former Sarpanch. pic.twitter.com/aNQuVwd6Z5
— Kashmir Ahead कश्मीर کشمیر (@KashmirAhead) May 19, 2024
On that fateful Saturday night, the tranquility of Sheikh’s home was shattered when terrorists barged in and asked for his identity. Almost like a hit squad, they opened fire at point-blank range at Aijaz Sheikh after they confirmed his identity. Eight bullets embedded themselves in the Kashmiri leader’s chest and abdomen. Despite the efforts to rush him to the hospital, Sheikh succumbed to his injuries. The doctors pronounced Sheikh dead on arrival.
Disrupting Peace and Polls: Terror Strikes Tourists
In an attack on a tourist camp, Farha and her spouse Tabrez were injured in Yannar, Anantnag, marking a direct assault on hoteliers, Shikarawalas, travel agents and local shopkeepers. Such violence against innocent civilians is highly reprehensible. #StopTerrorism #Peace pic.twitter.com/egkTxxj5Qz
— Kashmir Rights Forum🍁 (@kashmir_right) May 19, 2024
The militants are trying to strike at peace in the valley. From attacking the Defense Convoys in Poonch to firing at Tourists, the terrorists are attempting to stop Kashmir’s people from voting freely and fearlessly. While Aijaz Sheikh’s ‘supari death’ like incident played out in Shopian, a tourist couple from Jaipur and their five-year-old twins faced terror in Pahalgam, another part of the valley. The couple was injured while the children remained unharmed but traumatized.
The husband, Tabrez, still remains in critical condition while the wife, Farha, is said to be stable but under observation. The young family was visiting the valley and were returning to their hotel on the night of the attack. Bike-mounted terrorists shot at the couple while the family was walking the streets. While political parties try to use the incident to mock the ‘normalcy narrative’ in the region, the tourist family’s relatives pray for their recovery.
Communities in Kashmir Colored in Mourning and Fear
#WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: Last rites of BJP leader and ex-Sarpanch Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh being performed in Shopian
He was shot dead by terrorists yesterday in Heerpora, Shopian. pic.twitter.com/OsDGnINWRE
— ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2024
The long history of terrorism makes residents of Kashmir are well versed in dealing with the pain of loss. As news of Sheikh’s death spread, hundreds of villagers gathered for his funeral. Thereby, showing the world the profound impact Sheikh had on the community. Among these people of the valley, there was a palpable sense of loss and anger. Aijaz Sheikh was not just a political leader; he was a father, a husband, and a friend to many. His selfless service and dedication to the people of Hirpora will be remembered. His faith in the BJP and his words of praise for PM Modi will resonate in the media long after he is gone.
Political Reactions To The Assissination
The assassination of Aijaz Sheikh was met with widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. Mehbooba Mufti, contesting the general elections from Anantnag-Rajouri, expressed deep concern over the timing of the attack. She questions why the timing of these attacks coincides with the south Kashmir polling. Thus, Mufti blames the government for the lapse of security and states that the two incidents of violence delayed elections in the region. Additionally, National Conference leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah also decried the terrorist actions. They urge Kashmiris to unite against such acts of brutality that aim to impede long-term peace in J&K.
LG Manoj Sinha has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. In a media interview, he says: “I am deeply shocked at the terrorist attack and the brutal killing of former sarpanch Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh. He was an exemplary grassroots leader and will be remembered for his selfless service to the people,” Sinha said.
A Call for Justice, Unity, and Peace
HM Amit Shah directs officials to strengthen counter-terrorism operations and completely eliminate terror ecosystem in J&K, in a high level meeting attended by LG of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, NSA Ajit Doval, Chief of Army staff General Manoj Pande and top officials of… pic.twitter.com/8VZUV8QJrs
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) January 3, 2024
While these tragic incidents harm the fragile peace in the region, they also highlight the need to continue the fight against terrorism. The cruel death of Modi Bhakt Aijaz Sheikh shows the ugly face of terrorism in the valley. Moreover, it brings to mind the sacrifices made by others for democracy and peace in the region. As his community mourns, it is crucial for all to come together in support of his family and justice. Let the people of Shopian and Kashmir ensure that his legacy of service and dedication continues.
As the tourist couple fights against their injuries, the region undergoes tight military operations. The defense forces are scouring every nook and corner to find the enemies of Bharat. Thus, as we await news on those who caused these terror attacks, let Bharat pay homage to Aijaz Sheikh’s words who believed in a united and prosperous India. Therefore, may his life be an example to the youth of Kashmir to turn away from anti-India activities and embrace their Indian identity wholeheartedly!