Punjab trader shot dead in Srinagar, another injured

Unidentified gunmen shot dead a non-local trader and critically injured another on Wednesday evening in Shaheed Gunj area of Srinagar.

The incident took place at Shala Kadal area around 7pm when a gunman opened fire at two persons identified as Amritpal and Rohit, both from Punjab. According to officials, Amritpal died on the spot while Rohit is undergoing treatment at the SMHS hospital here.

"Terrorists fired upon a non-local identified as Amritpal Singh, resident of Amritsar at Shaheed Gunj Srinagar who succumbed to the injuries. One more person is grievously injured and evacuated for medical attention. Area has been cordoned off. Further details shall follow," J&K police informed.


The incident took place on a day when minister of state from home, Nityanad Rai in a reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, said that the government has a policy of zero tolerance against 'terrorism and the security situation has improved significantly in J&K.' This is the first target killing in Kashmir this year.

The political parties across the spectrum condemned the killing of the non-local terming it a 'barbaric incident' stating that violence is reprehensible. "Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah are shocked and disgusted by the barbaric incident that took the life of Amritpal Singh...Violence should have no place in our society and such acts of barbarity only serve to hinder the progress and peace we strive for," read the National Conference statement.