Spike in Violence as Sarpanch Shot Dead in Srinagar Outskirts, Another Civilian Killed in IED Blast

Srinagar: Suspected militants shot dead a Sarpanch in the city outskirts of the Khonmoh area Wednesday evening, a second such assassination of grassroots representative in March.

Police identified the victim as Sameer Ahmad Bhat, who was shot from a close range and reportedly died from the firearm injury after being rushed to the SMHS hospital for treatment.

Bhat was reportedly affiliated with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The Medical Superintendent of the premier health facility Dr Kanwaljeet Singh said that he had at least two bullets injuries in the chest area.

Earlier on March 2, suspected militants killed a Panchayat member, identified as Muhammad Yaqoob Dar at Kulipora village of Kulgam, outside his residence. Dar was shot at by armed assailants from a close range and was hit by a bullet in his neck, following which the police and security forces launched a hunt to nab the attackers.

Wednesday’s attack was condemned by political parties, who termed the attack as an indication of “deterioration” in the security situation of the region.

“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,” a spokesperson of PDP said.

The J&K Peoples Conference, led by Sajad Lone, also condemned the killing of Sarpanch in what it referred to as 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,” the party spokesperson Adnan Ashraf Mir said.

“Condemning the attack on Sameer Ahmad Bhat in Khonmoh in the strongest possible terms. This senseless bloodshed must come to an end. May Allah grant him a place in Jannat-ul-Firdous. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,” National Conference tweeted from their official handle.

The Jammu and Kashmir police have registered a case in the attack and have launched an investigation to zero in on the attackers. Scores of Panchayat members have often been attacked and killed in the union territory for years and are often considered a “soft-targets” for militants. Almost all parties, including PDP, BJP, Congress and NC, have lost their workers to such attacks, especially since the last few years.

Target attacks in Kashmir spiked in October last year after suspected militants carried out a series of killings in parts of the valley claiming a dozen civilian lives, the highest in a month in two years. Bhat's killing comes at close heels after two civilians were killed in a grenade explosion in the busy market of Amira Kadal on Sunday.

Another civilian killing was reported from Jammu’s Udhampur district, where the victim, identified as Jugal from Danal Johnu, died due to an IED explosion in the busy Salathia chowk. The blast, widely condemned by the political leadership, also injured over a dozen others later confirmed were out of danger.

“I’m greatly saddened by this attack & the resultant death & injuries. I unreservedly condemn this attack, at the same time, I send my condolences to the family of the deceased & prayers for the injured,” former chief minister Omar Abdullah tweeted.