National Conference on Friday expressed shock and anguish over the “dastardly and barbaric killing of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP),  Mohammad Ayub Pandith at Jamia Masjid Nowhatta last night

Expressing solidarity with his family and colleagues, former Chief Minister and  NC working president, Omar Abdullah, while strongly condemning the  “heinous and barbaric killing,’’ has demanded the “culprits should be brought to book without any delay.’’ He sought that a stern punishment should be given to those behind the killing.

 “On the instructions of the working President, NC leaders including the party’s provincial President, Nasir Aslam Wani, and state spokesperson, Junaid Azim Mattu, attended the wreath-laying ceremony of the  police officer on behalf of the party at DPL this morning and paid their solemn tributes,’’ NC said in a statement.

 Omar Abdullah has also announced a donation of Rs 10 lakhs to the Police Welfare Fund on behalf of National Conference and has announced a donation of one-month’s salary as MLA to the “fund as a contribution to support families of such brave martyrs.’’

 The National Conference Working President said this killing was the “height of barbarism and should be condemned unequivocally by everyone.’’

 “I am personally anguished and devastated by this tragedy. That this happened on the most auspicious night and outside Jamia Masjid is shocking. Such heinous elements are the enemies of Kashmiriyat and humanity and should be given the sternest possible sentence as per the law of the land. We are all duty-bound to stand with the family of the martyred police officer and also the police department in this hour of mourning and grief”, the NC Working President said.

 Senior party leaders including NC General Secretary,Ali Muhammad Sagar, Mubarak Gul, Abdul Rahim Rather, Muhammad Shafi Uri, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and others besides “all party legislators have strongly condemned this barbaric tragedy and sought swift justice.’’

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