Bandipora, Oct 30: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Nazir Ahmad Khan faced an attack during a rally in the Tulail area of Gurez Valley in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Tuesday evening which left several injured.
A police official told Rising Kashmir that a mob targeted the MLA’s rally, causing damage to several vehicles. An FIR has been filed, and an investigation is currently underway, he said.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, MLA Khan, a National Conference leader, said he was visiting his constituency to thank voters for his victory in the recent Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.
He said, “On my way back through Gujran, the village of his political opponent BJP leader Faqir Mohammad Khan, I was stopped by police due to concerns about a gathering that was preventing vehicles from passing. While being escorted in a police vehicle, we were attacked with stones, which made me believe that there was an intent to harm me.”
Khan said his personal vehicle and others were damaged, with four to five cars struck by stones. He described the incident as “complete hooliganism” and expressed gratitude that the police had taken action by registering a case.
The MLA called on the administration and police to quickly apprehend those responsible, alleging that the attackers were relatives of his political opponent rather than local villagers.
Raja Aijaz, son of BJP leader Faqir Mohammad Khan, told Rising Kashmir that National Conference workers incited the conflict. He accused them of provoking BJP supporters outside their homes and shops with inflammatory language, which resulted in clashes.
He further alleged that NC workers threw stones at their houses and verbally abused women in the area.
Aijaz, a District Development Council (DDC) member, urged BJP leadership to step in. He appealed to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to ensure security for residents in Gurez-Tulail, saying they feel increasingly unsafe.
NC condemns attack on MLA Gurez, demands probe
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference state spokesperson, Imran Nabi Dar on Wednesday strongly condemned the “brutal” attack on senior party leader and MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmad Khan while addressing party workers in a village in Gurez Assembly constituency.
Expressing outrage over the incident, Imran in a statement demanded that the perpetrators responsible for the attack be swiftly brought to justice. “Win or a loss is part and parcel of elections but resorting to violence is completely unacceptable and has no place in a civilised society,” he said. “JKNC is a party of discipline and has set an example after registering a thumping win in the Assembly elections. In all the constituencies, our MLAs are reaching out to those who have not voted in their favour. This is what democracy is all about.”
Asking police to register a case, Dar said, “A thorough investigation must commence so that those who are responsible for the mayhem and causing injuries are identified and brought to justice.” He urged the government to ensure that the injured receive proper care and free treatment in the hospital.
