PDP leader's house set ablaze in less than 24 hours after his assassination

Slain Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and former Sarpanch Mohammad Ramzan's family became the subject of second tragedy in less than 24 hours as violent mob set their house in South Kashmir's Shopian district on fire, just a day after the leader's assassination. The incidents occurred in a bid to avenge the killing of a top Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist on Monday, who had barged in Ramzan's house.

Police immediately swung into action and rescued seven of his family members from the house. They also chased away the crowd which was allegedly instigated by the terror outfit and their sympathisers.

"Family has been rescued by the police and security forces. Strong action under law is being taken against the perpetrators," Dr SP Vaid, Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, tweeted.

Former Sarpanch Mohommad Ramzan was killed when a group of three Hizbul terrorists stormed his house and shot him dead from point blank range on Monday evening. Family members present in the house, however, resisted. One of the terrorists, identified as Shoukat, was killed in the ensuing scuffle.

Locals took away the body of the perpetrator and handed it to his family for burial. Sources said no medical examination or postmortem was conducted to ascertain nature of injuries.

Some villagers alleged that the terrorist did not have any bullet wounds. Police sources, on the other hand, said he died of gunshot wounds fired by one of the terrosrists during the scuffle.

After the terrorist's burial, a mob of around 200 people marched to Ramzan's house and set it on fire. Quick Reaction Teams immediately rushed to the spot and rescued the family.

Police have registered the case and massive hunt has been launched to nab the people responsible for torching the house.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned the incidents saying, "I strongly condemn the killing of former Sarpanch Mr Mohammad Ramazan and burning of his house at Humhuna Shopian. Such dastardly acts cannot justify or achieve any political goals."