The shootout incident occurred within half of the kilometer of venue where Republic Day celebration will be held on Jan 26, which exposes performances of the security agencies.
jj correspondent
Jammu, Jan 21: In a shocking incident that unfolded in Jammu’s Jewel Chowk area on Tuesday afternoon, a man was shot dead by an unidentified assailant, sparking immediate concerns about the safety and security of the region. The incident, which occurred just days before Republic Day celebrations on January 26, has raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and security arrangements in the area.
According to initial reports, the assailant fired at the victim in broad daylight, causing panic in the bustling Jewel Chowk area. Following the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Police swiftly arrived at the scene and launched an investigation into the matter. Authorities have confirmed that the victim, identified as Sumit Jandial, succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu. Despite the police’s quick response, no immediate clues have been reported regarding the identity of the assailant or the exact motive behind the attack.
In a press statement, Jammu ADGP (Additional Director General of Police) Anand Jain clarified that initial speculations of a terrorist attack were unfounded. He explained, “This incident appears to be related to a gang rivalry, not terrorism. Sumit Jandial was attacked by members of a rival gang. We are investigating the case thoroughly, and the culprits will be apprehended soon.”
The police have since mobilized all available resources to identify and arrest the perpetrators, although no significant breakthroughs have been reported as of the latest updates.
This incident is particularly concerning as it occurred just a few days before the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, when Jammu and Kashmir is preparing for ceremonial event at MAM Stadium and the security has been pressed in the locality for last so many days. The firing incident took place within half a kilometer of the venue, raising serious concerns over the preparedness and vigilance of the local police and security agencies responsible for maintaining peace and ensuring a safe environment during such critical occasions.
Many residents and observers have expressed their shock at the incident, highlighting the failure of security forces to prevent such brazen attacks despite heightened security measures for the upcoming national event. Some are questioning the readiness of law enforcement agencies, who have been working tirelessly to ensure that the Republic Day celebrations remain peaceful and incident-free.
The incident occurred in the jurisdiction of Police Station Nowabad, and local police officials, along with senior officers, arrived on the scene promptly. According to sources, the injured individual was transported to GMC Jammu by a police team, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to remain calm and avoid speculation. “We urge everyone to stay patient and refrain from spreading unverified information. Official updates will be provided as soon as possible,” said an official statement from the police.
The tragic loss of life in this broad-daylight attack serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining law and order in Jammu. As investigations unfold, the public remains hopeful that the culprits will soon be brought to justice and that measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
