New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Vice District President of Anantnag district as Gul Mohammad Mir was shot dead by suspected militants at Verinag area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Saturday. Gunmen fired upon 60-year-old Gul Mohammad Mir alias Attal son of Abdul Karim Mir at Nowgam area of Verinag at around 10:00 pm.

In the incident, Gul received critical bullet wounds in his chest and abdomen. As per initial reports, Gul was taken to District Hospital Anantnag where doctors declared him brought dead on arrival. A senior doctor said that Gul received five bullet wounds, three in chest and two in the abdomen. He was declared brought dead at the arrival. After the incident, forces cordoned off the area.

Giving details, the police said three militants came to his house in Nowgam Verinag area and asked for the keys for his car. While driving the vehicle away, they pumped bullets into Mir, who was popular in the area as 'Atal', they said. The area has been cordoned off to nab the suspects, the official said.

The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP, in a statement, expressed deepest condolences to Mir's family and demanded strict action against "ill elements who are spoiling peace in valley and killing innocent people".

NC vice-president Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also condemned Mir's killing.

Omar Abdullah‏ wote on Twitter – “Ghulam Mohd Mir, office bearer of the BJP in South Kashmir has been shot & killed in Nowgam, Verinag. I condemn this dastardly act of violence & pray for the soul of the departed, Allah Jannat naseeb karey.”


PDP president Mehbooba Mufti posted on Twitter, "I strongly condemn the killing of @BJP4India leader Gul Muhammad Mir in Verinag, South Kashmir. My condolences to the bereaved family and prayers for the departed soul."

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president G A Mir also condemned Mir's killing and described the incident as "mindless, cowardice and shameful act". He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family, a party spokesman said.

As per reports, BJP senior leader and former MLC Sofi Yousuf confirmed that Gul Mohammad was District Vice President of BJP for Anantnag, and had unsuccessfully contested assembly elections for Dooru assembly segment in 2008 and 2014.

(With inputs from agencies)