Srinagar, March 2 : A Panch was shot dead by dentified militants in Kashmir on Wednesday evening, officials said. The Panch, identified as Mohammad Yaqoob Dar, was shot dead in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Incidentally, this was the first civilian killing by terrorists this year. Police said they received information about a terror crime incident at Kolpora area of Kulgam at around 8.45 pm. “Preliminary investigation revealed that terrorists had fired upon a Panch (Independent) identified as Mohammad Yaqoob Dar at Kolpora Srundoo area of Kulgam. In this terror incident, he had sustained critical gunshot injuries and was immediately shifted to nearby hospital for the treatment where he succumbed to his injuries,” a police spokesman said. 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. The area has been cordoned off and search in the area was going on. National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah termed the killing as “very unfortunate”. “Very unfortunate. I strongly condemn the assassination of Panch Mohd Yaqoob Dar and send my condolences to his family. May Allah grant the deceased Jannat,” Omar Tweeted. MJR RJ
