SRINAGAR: Terrorists launched a brutal attack on an ex-serviceman on February 3, 2023, resulting in his death and injuries to two women, including his wife and cousin, in Behibagh village of Kulgam district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, who had retired from the Territorial Army in 2021, was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen who opened fire as he was with his family outside their home. The attack marked the first killing of a non-combatant this year, sending shockwaves through the community.
Wagay, aged 40, suffered severe gunshot wounds to the abdomen, and his wife and cousin were injured as well. Following the incident, all three victims were swiftly transported to a nearby hospital where Wagay succumbed to his injuries, sparking outrage and grief.
According to local police and army officials, the assailants, believed to be part of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group, ambushed Wagay after he returned home. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with officials launching investigations to track down the attackers.
Immediately after the shooting, security forces, including police, paramilitary, and army units, cordoned off the area and initiated search operations to locate the gunmen. Eyewitness accounts suggest the attackers targeted Wagay particularly due to his former military service.
The attack has since been characterized as possibly being retaliatory, especially following recent successful operations by security forces against local terrorist elements, including the killing of five militants late last year.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic killing of ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay. My heartfelt condolences to his family, and prayers for the swift recovery of his injured wife and niece. Such heinous violence has no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” stated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on social media.
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed deep sorrow, paying homage to Wagay, and assured the public of justice for the perpetrators. “The entire nation stands in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief. I have instructed officials to provide the best possible treatment to the injured and pray for their speedy recovery,” he said.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti lamented, “I am terribly saddened by this act of terrorism. My thoughts are with Wagay’s family, especially his injured wife and niece.”
Altaf Bukhari, the president of the Apni Party, decried the attack, calling it cowardly. “I am deeply saddened to hear terrorists have attacked and killed an ex-Army man and injured his family. This attack is highly condemnable, and I have full confidence our security agencies will swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he asserted.
Local Kulgam MLA M Y Tarigami also condemned the act, emphasizing the futility of such violence. “Condemning, in no uncertain terms, the killing of former (territorial) army man Manzoor Ahmad Wagay... Such attacks won’t serve any purpose. Urging authorities to provide the best possible treatment to the injured,” he stated firmly.
The attack on Wagay and his family has reignited discussions about security challenges facing civilians, particularly ex-servicemen, living under the shadow of persistent violence.
This tragic incident is not just a stark reminder of the dangers posed by terrorism but also highlights the resilience required to address the pervasive security issues faced by communities like Behibagh. Residents now look to authorities for swift action and the promise of safety as they continue to mourn the loss of one of their own.