Patna, In a grim escalation of violence in Bihar, Abdul Salam, a prominent leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), was fatally shot by unidentified assailants while on his way to catch a train in the Gopalganj area of the state. This incident marks the second targeted killing of an AIMIM leader in Bihar since December 2023.

According to Kashmir Media Service, bike-borne attackers ambushed Salam, who served as the AIMIM state secretary and district president, and opened fire, leading to his immediate death. Despite being rushed to Sadar Hospital in Turkaha, Salam succumbed to his injuries, highlighting a disturbing pattern of violence against political figures in the region.

The murder of Salam follows the December 2023 assassination of Arif Jamal, the AIMIM’s district president in Siwan, indicating a troubling trend of targeted attacks against members of the political party. The back-to-back killings have raised concerns over the safety of political leaders in Bihar and the implications for political stability in the state.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi expressed his outrage and sorrow over the incident, questioning the security measures in place for political figures, particularly those from the AIMIM. In a statement on X, Owaisi lamented the loss of Salam and called for justice for the families of the victims, questioning why AIMIM leaders were being singled out for such violent attacks.

The assassination of Abdul Salam has cast a shadow over Bihar’s political landscape, with calls for a thorough investigation and measures to protect political leaders from such heinous acts. The incident underscores the urgent need for heightened security and a crackdown on violence against political figures in the state.