Unidentified gunman shot dead a sarpanch in Srinagar, political parties condemn killing

Unidentified gunmen on Wednesday evening shot dead a Sarpanch at Srinagar's Khonmoh area, officials said. "At around 6:30 pm, unidentified gunmen fired at a Sarpanch who has been identified as Sameer Ahmad Bhat at Khonmoh area," a police officer said.

Srinagar (J&K): Unidentified gunmen on Wednesday evening shot dead a sarpanch at Srinagar's Khonmoh area, officials said. "At around 6:30 pm, unidentified gunmen fired at a Sarpanch who has been identified as Sameer Ahmad Bhat at Khonmoh area," a police officer said.

He further said, "Bhat died on the spot. Police have reached the crime scene and searches have been launched to nab the assailants. A case has also been registered."

Shortly after the incident, political parties reacted to the incident, condemning the killing.

"Killing of Sarpanch Sameer Bhat of Khonmoh is a gruesome act, highly deplorable that deserves all forms of condemnation. The militants involved in the act are enemies of humanity and peace, who by killing unarmed civilians claim bravery but in fact, they are coward who feels frustrated by the grass-root democracy flourishing in Kashmir," BJP Jammu Kashmir spokesperson Altaf Thakur said regarding the incident.

"J&K Peoples Conference unreservedly condemns killing of Sarpanch Sameer Ahmed Bhat in a dastardly and despicable act of violence. The party expresses profound grief and extends sympathy with his family and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this terrible time. We pray for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family in this difficult hour", Jammu Kashmir People's Conference, led by Sajad Lone, said in a statement.

Jammu Kashmir National Conference Vice President and former CM Omar Abdullah, tweeted out, saying "Very tragic. The assassination of Sameer Bhat is reprehensible & I condemn it unequivocally. He joins a long list of politicians & elected representatives whose only crime was their desire to work for the greater good. May Sameer find place in Jannat."

People's Democratic Party (PDP), on the other hand, said it condemned the killing, while also pointing towards the incident as an incident contrary to the administration's promises.

"...Contrary to the tall claims of the administration such recurring attacks highlight the deteriorating security scenario in Kashmir. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this hour of grief", the party said in a tweet.

The police have so far said that insurgents 'barged into the house of Bhat, firing 'indiscriminately upon him' afterward. They, however, noted that the circumstances behind the crime were not yet clear and that "officers continue to work to establish the circumstances which lead to this terror crime".

The area in question has been cordoned off.