KUPWARA: Anil Sharma, President of the All Jammu & Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC), today visited the grieving family of the late Gulam Rasool Mangray in Kupwara. Gulam Rasool was tragically killed by militants just days ago, shot outside his home in a senseless act of violence.
During the condolence visit, Sharma expressed profound sorrow and solidarity with the bereaved family. Describing the incident as a "cowardly act by militants," he highlighted Gulam Rasool’s reputation as a devout and peace-loving individual who never missed his five daily prayers. On the day of the attack, Gulam had just returned from evening prayers when he was called outside and shot near his home’s courtyard.
"A mother lost her son, sisters lost their brother, and the community lost a righteous soul devoted to his faith. This is not just a murder — it is an assault on humanity and peace," said Sharma.
Sharma also noted the family’s dire economic condition and the poor state of their home. The elderly mother, visually impaired from continuous crying, was still in tears during the visit. Neighbors and relatives stood by the family in shared grief.
The condolence gathering was attended by local Sarpanches, youth, and villagers, who together paid homage to Gulam Rasool and offered prayers for the family’s strength. Sharma directed the Sarpanch of Panchayat Kandi-A to assume full responsibility for the family's welfare, particularly the elderly mother. He also urged Point Sevaks and the broader panchayat community to ensure continued support for the family.
In a strong statement, Sharma held militants backed by Pakistan and supported by internal separatist elements responsible for the killing. He called for unity across India and a decisive stand against terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. "The only lasting solution to militancy is the empowerment of grassroots democracy. When every village and panchayat has elected representatives, they can partner with the administration and security forces to root out terrorism," he emphasized.
Sharma urged both the Jammu & Kashmir administration and the central government to expedite panchayat elections, restoring democratic institutions at the grassroots level. He concluded with a heartfelt appeal to the public: “Let us come together financially and morally to support this shattered family, so that the elderly mother can live the rest of her life with dignity.”
AJKPC team members accompanying Anil Sharma included: Rakesh Sharma, Manzoor Ahmad wani sarpanch Kandi A,Ab Rahim Bhat ,Wani Manzoor, gh Nabi lone and mohd maqbool magray and Several local Sarpanches and Panches.

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