Tarigami condemns killing of BJP leader in J-K's Kishtwar

CPI(M) MLA from Kulgam M Y Tarigami condemned Friday the killing of senior BJP leader Anil Parihar and his brother in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district.

BJP state secretary Anil Parihar, 52, and his brother Ajeet, 55, were returning home from their shop Thursday night when they were fired upon from close range at a dark, narrow lane leading to their house, officials said, adding this was the first such political killing in Jammu region in recent years.

Tarigami said the incident was heinous and barbaric. "We demand that perpetrators should be identified and brought to book," Tarigami said in a statement here.

He said the killings have sent shock waves in Chenab valley and everyone is pained and grieved.

"Our state has always been an abode of communal harmony, rich traditions of brotherhood, which stood test of times even during the difficult phase of turmoil in the state. The attack is an attempt to disrepute the plural ethos of the state," he added.

CPI(M) appeals the people not to allow the divisive elements to take advantage of this sad situation and remain united to frustrate the designs of the extremist elements, Tarigami said.