J&K: Chemist, Who Also Ran De-Addiction Centre In Baramulla, Shot Dead By ‘Unidentified Gunmen’

On Saturday evening, unidentified gunmen shot dead a shopkeeper, Arjumand Majid Bhat (35) in Baramulla district of Jammu & Kashmir. Bhat was grievously injured after the militants shot him and soon succumbed to his injuries on his way to the hospital. The incident comes two months after the Jammu & Kashmir Police declared Baramulla as the first militant free district in the valley.

What happened?

After Bhat was shot, many contingents of security forces reached the spot to trace the militants involved in the killing. However, no militant group has claimed responsibility for it.

Arjumand Majid Bhat also called as Raju Mistry was a chemist by profession who lived at Khwajabag in Baramulla. According to Outlook India, Bhat ran a medical shop and a drug de-addiction camp. Working as a counsellor for drug de-addiction, Bhat had earned a name for himself in the past years. He used to organize seminars and deliver lectures on drug abuse at the workshops.

Bhat never failed anyone. Although he struggled financially but still he used to give medicines to the needy for free. He also worked as a part-time contractor with army, supplying them food for parties, the officers hosted for their Kashmiri guests. One could always rely on Bhat even in the most difficult circumstances, reports Firstpost.

Abdul Qayoom, Baramulla Senior Superintendent of Police said, “Bhat’s name was published twice by the militants for being an informer. But the one who helps people and goes to an army camp cannot be an informer. In all probability, he was killed by militants.”

Arjumand’s killing has evoked much condemnation on social media by many of his friends. Even many journalists have mourned his killing on Twitter.

Aditya Raj Kaul, a journalist who knew Arjumand Majid Bhat also posted on Twitter, saying that he was vocal against Hurriyat and Pakistan Sponsored Terror.

Many of his friends and sympathizers wondered why political leaders in Jammu & Kashmir are silent on Bhat’s killing.

The incident comes after a woman drug inspector Neha Shoree was shot dead in her office in Punjab by a man who nursed a grudge against her since she cancelled his licence for keeping unauthorized drugs in his chemist shop. Both Neha and Arjumand fought valiantly against drug menace in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir respectively. But their killing has sent a wave of shock and despair among the people who loved and respected their contribution towards a better society.

But, until when will we keep losing people who fight against the issues inflicting in our society? Will they ever get justice?

Also Read: “It Is Cold-Blooded Murder,” Says Father Of J&K Principal Who Was “Killed” In Police Custody