Sarpanch shot dead in Khonmoh

Relatives carry the body of Sarpanch on stretcher who was killed by militants outside his residence in Khonmoh. —Excelsior/Shakeel
Relatives carry the body of Sarpanch on stretcher who was killed by militants outside his residence in Khonmoh. —Excelsior/Shakeel

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Mar 9: A Sarpanch affiliated with People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was shot dead by militants at Khonmoh area of Srinagar outskirts this evening.
An official said that a Sarpanch identified as Sameer Ahmad Bhat was fired upon by militants at Khonmoh area of Srinagar. He was immediately shifted to SMHS hospital here where doctors declared him was brought dead.
A police spokesman said that Srinagar Police received information about an incident at Khonmoh area of Srinagar where a Sarpanch was shot dead by militants.
“Senior police officers reached the spot, police said, adding that preliminary investigation has revealed that militants had barged into the house of a Sarpanch identified as Sameer Ahmad Bhat, son of Abdul Rasheed Bhat of Khonmoh area of Srinagar and fired indiscriminately upon him,” he added. Click here to watch video
“In this incident, he had sustained critical gunshot injuries and was immediately shifted to nearby hospital for the treatment where he succumbed to his injuries.”
The spokesman said that police have registered a case in this regard under relevant Sections of law and investigation is in progress while officers continue to work to establish the circumstances, which led to the incident.
The area has been cordoned off and search in the area is going on.
Meanwhile, PDP in a tweet condemned the killing of Sarpanch and said that such recurring attacks highlight the deteriorating security scenario in Kashmir.
“Strongly condemn the assassination of Sarpanch Khonmoh, Sameer Ahmed Bhat. 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,” J&K PDP tweeted.