Sopore:
A Sarpanch candidate was shot at and injured by suspected militants in Sopore township of north Kashmir's Baramulla district on Tuesday, 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 a 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 by militants through posters.