Srinagar: A Sarpanch candidate was on Tuesday shot at and injured by suspected militants in Sopore township
of North Kashmir`s Baramulla district, officials said here.
Ghulam Mohiuddin Chopan, who had filed papers for the
post of Sarpanch, was shot in his leg by unidentified gunmen
near his house at Machipora in Zainageer locality of Sopore,
55 kms from here, this afternoon, they said, adding he has
been admitted to sub district hospital.
According to preliminary investigations, the
pistol-borne gunmen fled the scene after shooting Chopan from
very close range.
A hunt has been launched to nab the accused, they
said.
No militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the
incident so far.
Earlier on April 15, militants shot dead a woman
candidate in Pakherpora area of Central Kashmir Budgam
district, marking the first political killing since the
commencement of the multi-phased panchayat poll on April 13.
So far, seven phases of the panchayat elections have
been completed and the last phase of the 16-phase process will
be completed on June 6.
The panchayat polls have witnessed huge participation
by the people despite a boycott call given by hardline faction
of Hurriyat Conference and threats held out by militants
through posters.
PTI
