Sameer A Bhat, Sarpanch of Khanmoh area shot dead by un-identified gunmen, Second in 1 Week

A sarpanch was shot dead by terrorists in the Khonmoh area on the outskirts of Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar on Wednesday, police said.

Preliminary probe indicates that Sameer Ahmad Bhat, 40, received two bullets in the chest after terrorists barged into his house and opened fire at him. The sarpanch was immediately rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to injuries, police said.

A police spokesperson said they received information about the attack around 6.50 pm. “Preliminary investigation revealed that terrorists had barged into the house of the sarpanch and fired indiscriminately upon him. Bhat was critically wounded and was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to injuries,” the spokesperson said, requesting anonymity.

A case was subsequently registered under relevant sections of the law, the spokesperson added.

“The investigation is in progress and officers continue to work to establish the circumstances which lead to the attack. The area has been cordoned off and a search for the terrorists is underway,” the spokesperson said.

The attack was condemned by political parties in the Union territory.

Peoples Democratic Party in a statement said: “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.”

“Condemn the attack on sarpanch Sameer Ahmad Bhat in Khonmoh in the strongest possible terms. This senseless bloodshed must come to an end,” the National Conference said in a statement.

On March 2, an independent panchayat member, Mohammad Yaqub Dar, was shot dead by terrorists in the Kulgam district, in south Kashmir.