‘Perpetrators of Rajouri attack will be punished’: J&K LG Manoj Sinha after meeting grieving families in Dhangri

Rajouri/Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that the perpetrators of the two attacks on civilians at Dhangri village in Rajouri will be punished soon and reiterated that Narendra Modi remains committed to eliminating all forms of terrorism from the Union Territory. LG Manoj Sinha said this after meeting the family members of the four civilians who were killed in two separate terrorist attacks here. Expressing his condolence, Sinha said that the entire nation and the government stand firmly with the families in this hour of grief and the administration is committed to looking after the needs and issues of all the families and people of the district.

The J&K LG also announced an ex-gratia and jobs for their families. “A meeting for security was also held today & we have decided to reach the core & take action against the ones behind. Security measures will be taken to protect the area,” J&K LG said after attending a security meeting in Rajouri.

Jammu & Kashmir | Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reaches the incident site at upper Dangri village in Rajouri district where 4 civilians were killed yesterday. pic.twitter.com/FQd9csOons
— ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2023

Attack on civilians in J&K

A total of six people were killed in two attacks on civilians at Dhangri village – four on Sunday evening when terrorists opened fire on houses, and two in an IED blast Monday morning – triggering a protest by the members of the minority community. “I have heard several people among you. It is a commitment of the government of India to stamp out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir,” the LG told the protesters.

He was accompanied by Director General of Police Dilbag Singh J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina. “Your feelings will be fully respected,” the LG told the protesting people, who raised questions on the security situation in Rajouri and also said the withdrawal of weapons from Village Defence Committees (VDCs) has made them “easy prey” to terrorists.

On Sunday evening, terrorists opened fire at three houses in Dangri village, killing four civilians and injuring six others, according to officials. Fourteen hours later, an IED blast took place near the house of Pritam Lal, a victim of the terror attack on Sunday evening, locals said. There were several people, including Lal’s relatives, in the house when the blast took place at around 9.30 am.

This blast killed two cousins – Sanvi Sharma (16) and Vihan Kumar Sharma (4) – and left six people injured. Sinha said there is no compensation to these deaths. “It is a grave loss to the families. What you told me (about security lapses and measures), I promise you we will go into the depth of the matter. Whatever strong and necessary action is needed will be taken,” Sinha said.

Expressing sympathies with the families, the LG said he had come to express his condolence and share their grief. “I and my administration are with these families in stamping out terrorism in J&K. Whatever is to be done, will be done for the families.

Protests in Rajouri

Hundreds of people belonging to the minority community are sitting on the dharna with the six bodies. They were demanding a visit by the LG to the spot so that they can put their demands before him. The LG also met locals, leaders and grieving families. Earlier in the day, Sinha announced Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia and a government job to the next of kin of the civilians killed in the incident. He said those behind the terror attack will not go unpunished.

“I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack in Rajouri. I assure the people that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families,” Sinha said in a tweet. He said the seriously injured would be given Rs 1 lakh.