J&K: Terrorists kill civilian in Sopore ahead panchayat polls​

Suspected terrorists today shot and killed a 26 year old man at Herwan Bomia Sopore town in North Kashmir's Baramulla district. The man, identified as Arif Ahmad, was shot from a close range, police said. 

Ahmad was near his home when he was shot dead, VK Birdhi, Deputy Inspector General of police, said. 

"He was in the vicinity  of his house when terrorists fired at him," he said. 

Police has registered a case and massive manhunt has been launched to track down the terrorists involved in the killing. 

This is the first killing of civilian since Panchayat elections were announced by Jammu and Kashmir government. The polls will be held from February 15.  

The polls are being held after being postponed for two years. Elections were scheduled to be held in 2016 but were delayed following unrest after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

Terrorists have threatened people against voting. Separatist leaders have also called for boycott of the polls.