"Deeply Saddened": Mehbooba Mufti condemns demise of Rajouri Officer due to Pakistani shelling, calls to de-escalate

May 10, 2025

SRINAGAR: People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti expressed her deep sorrow over the demise of Raj Kumar Thappa, Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) of Rajouri, who lost his life due to blatant shelling from Pakistan.

In a heartfelt statement, Mufti condemned the ongoing cycle of violence in the wake of the escalating tension between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack, which killed 26 and injured 17 in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Mufti highlighted the devastating impact on civilians due to the rising tensions and called for an end to it.

"Deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of one of our brave officers Raj Kumar Thappa, Additional DC in Rajouri, due to shelling from across the border. War is always a tragedy, but it becomes even more heartbreaking when innocent civilians, including children, bear the brunt of the mindless violence," Mufti stated in a post on X.

She extended her condolences to Thappa's bereaved family, praying for his soul to rest in peace.

"This cycle of retaliation has already cost far too many precious lives and shows no signs of ending. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace," she added.