BSF issues advisory asking personnel to be cautious

As the police blame Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) hand in the killing of an off-duty Border Security Force (BSF) jawan inside his house in north Kashmir’s Bandipora, the incident only points to the heightened militant movement in an otherwise militant-free zone.

“LeT commander Mehmood Bhai carried out the killing of [Muhammad Ramzan] Parrey. He was accompanied by a few more militants,” said Nitish Kumar, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), north Kashmir.

The body of Parray, 30 was buried in his ancestral graveyard at Bandipora’s Hajin on Thursday afternoon.

Police sources said around 26 militants had succeeded in entering the district in the recent past. The area had near-zero militancy only until two years ago. The BSF had “advised its personnel to remain cautious during leave period.” “Constable Parray was also advised before proceeding on the leave,” a BSF spokesman said. Arvinder Singh, DIG, BSF, said, “It will in no way impact the morale of the BSF. We are grief-stricken but will not rest till this terror design ends.”

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, former CM and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah condemned the killing. “It’s unfortunate that Parray was killed when he was home,” Ms. Mufti said. “This is abominable,” Mr. Abdullah said.