Suspected militants shot dead local politician in Kulgam

KULGAM — Suspected militants on Thursday shot dead a Jammu Kashmir Apni Party leader in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

Sources told news agency Kashmir News Trust that militants fired upon one Ghulam Hasan Lone at his home at Devsar Kulgam. He sustained serious bullet injuries, resulting in his death.

The deceased was reportedly former Block President of PDP who had later joined Apni Party as Zonal President.

A search operation was launched after the attack in the area while the the killing of Lone was widely condemned by politicians.

“Very sorry to hear about the assassination of Ghulam Hassan Lone in Devsar area of south Kashmir. This renewed trend of targeting mainstream politicians by militant outfits is very worrying and I condemn the same in the strongest possible terms. May Allah grant the departed Jannat,” tweeted NC leader Omar Abdullah.

Mehbooba Mufti said that unfortunately there seems to be no end to the spree of political killings in Kashmir. Unreservedly condemn the killing of Apni party leader Ghulam Hassan Lone. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family,” she said.

Jammu Kashmir Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone also condemned the killing of Apni Party leader. He said recent spate of attacks on mainstream leaders is worrying.

“Violence only brings miseries to people. Such killings only create more widows and orphans. These heinous acts must cease,” he said.