Srinagar: At least a dozen individuals sustained injuries when a rally organized by National Conference MLA from Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Khan, was attacked by members of the Bharatiya Janata Party, reportedly backed by the Indian army, in the Bandipora district of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the attack took place in the Gujran area of Tulail in the Gurez valley. BJP workers allegedly assaulted rally attendees, causing damage to several vehicles. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital, with three individuals requiring further medical attention in Srinagar.
In response to the escalating situation, Indian police deployed smoke shells to disperse the BJP workers involved in the attack.
MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan claimed that the attack was orchestrated by BJP members and supporters of Faqeer Mohammad Khan, a BJP candidate who had lost to him in the recent elections.
Ajaz Ahmad Khan, a BJP-supported District Development Council member from Tulail and son of Faqeer Khan, admitted that their workers acted aggressively after being provoked by supporters of Nazir Khan.
The Gurez area holds strategic importance, with investments made by the Indian army and the RSS/BJP to establish influence. However, the local population recently rejected the BJP candidate in the elections.
Source: Kashmir Media Service