Security measures have been intensified in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir following the killing of two Village Defence Guards by terrorists. The attack has prompted heightened security around the residences of the victims in Ohli-Kuntwara village, as forces seek to prevent further incidents.

After the bodies of Village Defence Guards Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar were discovered in the forested areas of Ohli-Kuntwara on Friday, Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Army, conducted an extensive joint search operation. The area has since been cordoned off to ensure local safety amid a wider counter-terror effort.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the killings, expressing sorrow and concern over the attack on innocent civilians. “Deeply saddened & concerned by the attack… I expect the security forces to move quickly to plug any gaps in our counter-terror grid & ensure that attacks like this stop completely,” Abdullah stated on social media, extending condolences to the families of the victims.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also condemned the attack, paying tribute to Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar and pledging continued action against terror groups. Sinha reiterated the government’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and vowed to hold perpetrators accountable for their “barbaric act.”

The victims, members of a local Village Defence Group (VDG), were reportedly targeted while tending to their cattle in the forest on Thursday.

(Inputs from ANI)