RSS old guard, his PSO killed in Kishtwar hospital attack

Jammu, April 09 (KNO) : An employee of health department, also a known face of RSS, and his Personal Security Officer (PSO) were killed on Tuesday after unidentified gunmen attacked them in the district hospital of Kishtwar district of Jammu region in a broad day light. 

Chandarkant Sharma, an employee of health department, was injured in an attack by the suspected militants in Kishtwar hospital this afternoon while as his PSO identified as Rajinder Kumar died on the spot.

Officials told KNO that the injured Chandarkant was referred to GMCH Jammu where he was treated upon but he succumbed to his injuries. Chandarkant was a noted figure of RSS and working in state health department since long.

The officials said that the incident created chaos in entire Kishtwar while as authorities have also imposed restrictions in the town to thwart any possible protests over the killing. Meanwhile, authorities imposed curfew in the district to prevent any protests. 

This is the second incident since November last  year when suspected militants killed Parihar brothers, who were affiliated with the BJP in Kishtwar district.

Army was also called in by the district administration following which they carried a flag march amid curfew in Kishtwar town and its adjoining parts. Meanwhile, a top police official told KNO that the situation is under control across the district. Meanwhile, Governor Satya Pal Malik has condemned the incident while expressing grief over the tragic loss of lives.

Governor in a condolence message has prayed for peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families in their hour of grief. He directed civil and police administration to review the safety and security aspects of all the important installations, establishments and public places and maintain strict vigil to thwart the nefarious designs of the forces inimical to peace and stability of the State.

He appealed to the people to cooperate with the administration and maintain peace and harmony. Meanwhile, former chief ministers including Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the incident.