New Delhi: In yet another case of targeted killing in Jammu and Kashmir, sarpanch Manzoor Ahmad Bangroo was shot dead by terrorists on Friday in Goushbugh Pattan area of Baramulla district.
According to ANI, the sarpanch was shot outside his residence in an apple orchard and was brought to a hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Condemning the terror attack, J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said, "Perpetrators of this despicable act shall be punished. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief."
A police spokesman said a case has been registered in the sarpanch's killing under relevant sections of law, PTI reproted.
"Investigation is in progress and officers continue to work to establish the full circumstances of this terror crime. The area has been cordoned and search is going on," he added.
While the identities of the terrorists are unknown, it comes on the back of a series of civilian killings that have shocked the Union Territory this month.
Bangroo is the second victim of targeted killing of civilians by militants in three days. Satish Singh, a local Rajout, was shot dead on Wednesday in Kulgam district.
National Conference leader and former chief minister Omar Abdullah said the unending cycle of violence was heartbreaking.
"Another targeted killing, another family in mourning this evening. This unending cycle of violence is heartbreaking. My condolences to the family of Manzoor Bangroo. May he find place in Jannat," Abdullah said in a tweet.
"Deeply pained by the news of killing of a Sarpanch Manzoor Ah Bangroo in Pattan. Even after multiple security assesments, bundling them in secure accomodations in Srinagar, why do sarpanches still continue to be killed," a spokesman of the PDP tweeted.
BJP spokesman Altaf Thakur condemned the "barbaric killing" of Bangroo. "Gruesome act, terrorists have no religion and mercy even during the fasting month of Ramzan," he said.