Sarpanch shot dead in Kulgam, Kashmir leaders condemn killing

Srinagar: Militants shot dead a Sarpanch in Kashmir on Friday evening, the second such killing in the last 48 hours.
Sarpanch, Shabir Ahmad Mir, was fired upon by militants at Audoora area of Kulgam in south Kashmir at around 8.20 pm.
“In this militancy related incident, he sustained critical gunshot injuries and was immediately shifted to nearby hospital for the treatment where he succumbed to his injuries,” a police spokesman said.
The area has been cordoned off and search is going on to trace the attackers.
Police has registered a case in this regard under relevant sections of law.
“Investigation is in progress and officers continue to work to establish the circumstances which lead to this terror crime,” the spokesman said.
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Vijay Kumar said the deceased was given accommodation in a secured hotel in Srinagar. “He had left the hotel and reached his home without informing police,” Kumar said. IGP has advised all police protectees to follow the standard operation procedures.
This is the third killing of a panchayat member in the last ten days and second in the last 48 hours. On March 2, a panch Mohammad Yaqoob Dar was shot dead by militants in Kulgam district. A week later, on March 9, sarpanch Sameer Ahmad Bhat was killed in Khonmoh area on Srinagar outskirts.
The killing has been widely condemned by the political parties. National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah said “he wish his death was the last one we would see but sadly that will not be.”
.Political workers get killed, we offer our condolences, life goes on and then the same thing happens again. There is a mind-numbing pattern to these killings & our reactions. Sadly nothing changes,” Omar tweeted.
Peoples Democratic Party said the Sarpanchs are assassinated at will.
“Is this normalcy? Sarpanchs are assassinated at will and except for condolences government has nothing concrete to offer. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the family in this hour of grief,” PDP said.
Apni Party leader Altaf Bukhari termed it an inhuman attack. In the meantime, an encounter is underway at Chewakalan in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
The encounter erupted a day after two local Lashkar-e-Toiba militants were killed in a gunfight in the same district. Three soldiers were also wounded in the Thursday encounter.