In another targeted killing in Jammu and Kashmir, unidentified terrorists on Tuesday shot dead a Kashmiri Pandit in the valley. The attack took place in Chotipora area of Shopian in South Kashmir.
Another person, the brother of the deceased, was injured in the attack that took place at an apple orchard.
It was reported that the terrorists opened fire in the orchard when people were engaged in work there.
The Kashmir Zone Police confirmed that both the civilians targeted in the attack were members of the Hindu community.
“Terrorists fired upon civilians in an apple orchard in Chotipora area of Shopian. One person died and one injured. Both belong to minority community. Injured person has been shifted to hospital. Area cordoned off. Further details shall follow,” the Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.
News agency ANI tweeted visuals of the victim's home where family members and neighbours gathered to mourn the death.
The deceased was identified as Sunil Kumar, son of Arjun Nath. The injured brother was identified as Pitambar alias Pinto.
"Sunil Kumar died on the spot while his brother Pitambar alias Pinto was shifted to hospital. The area has been cordoned off and reinforcements have been rushed to the village to nab the assassins," sources were quoted as saying by IANS news agency.
It was reported that both the brothers were natives and residing in their ancestral village when the terrorists struck.
Reacting to the development, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and said: “Pained beyond words on despicable terror attack on civilians in Shopian. My thoughts are with the family of Sunil Kumar. Praying for speedy recovery of injured. The attack deserves strongest condemnation from everyone. Terrorists responsible for barbaric act will not be spared.”
This is the second terrorist attack on non-migrant Hindus in Kashmir Valley in the past 24 hours. On Monday, terrorists attacked a house with a grenade in Budgam. A civilian, identified as Karan Kumar Singh, was injured in the attack. Singh was admitted to a hospital in Srinagar.
(AGENCIES)