SIA searches nine locations across J&K in 1990 double murder case of Kashmiri Pandit writer and his son

Srinagar: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) of the J&K police on Wednesday conducted searches at nine locations across the Union Territory in connection with a double murder of Pandits in 1990. The searches were conducted in connection with an FIR registered at the police station in Dooru area of Anantnag in southern Kashmir.

SIA officials, who are investigating the case, said it involves the "horrific abduction and brutal killing" of Kashmiri Pandit writer and social worker Sarwanand Koul Premi and his son, Virender Koul, residents of Soaf Shali village in Kokernag area of Anantnag, in 1990. "This chilling double murder has remained etched in the region's history for decades," the officials said.

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Meanwhile, migrant Pandit employees working in Kashmir under the Prime Minister Special Employment Package, started during the UPA government under Manmohan Singh, have urged the administration that their priority should be the safety of these employees.

Following the recent killing of a policeman and two non-local labourers in Anantnag and Kulgam, unverified threatening letters from lesser-known groupings like United Liberation Council and Kashmir Resistance Front surfaced on social media for some Kashmiri Pandit employees mentioning their names and phone numbers, who allegedly were "disrespecting locals" in government offices.

Security agencies are investigating this threat and have enhanced the security of Kashmiri Pandit settlements and sensitive areas.

The administration has allowed some Kashmiri Pandit employees to work from home in the wake of these threats.