Slain Sopore youth’s family trash BJP’s claims

Srinagar, January 5 (KMW): Hours after ruling BJP claimed affiliation of slain 25-year-old youth with the party, his family denied it as “baseless” and demand investigation behind the killing.
Arif Ahmed Sofi son of Muhammad Maqbool Sofi was shot dead by unknown gunmen in Sopore outskirts on Wednesday evening and was laid to rest at his native village on Thursday. BJP issued a statement, condemning the youth’s killing with a claim he Arif was an active member of the party.
His brother said that Arif was innocent and was not affiliated with any political party. “This is propaganda to defame the image of our slain brother,” he said.
He said Arif was lone bread earner of the family and was associated with a medical agency as its medical representative till October. “He had purchased his own Cab and through this, he was helping his family,” he added.
“We condemn such baseless statements by BJP.  Our father has been the Chairman J&K Peoples League. How can we join hands with the anti-movement party? It is baseless news,” He further added.
Arif’s father Mohammad Maqbool Sofi is a former chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League – a constituent of Hurriyat conference. He has spent many years in various jails in Kashmir and outside the state.