J-K mainstream political parties condemn killing of sarpanch by militants in Anantnag

Cutting across party lines, mainstream political parties on Monday condemned killing of a Congress sarpanch by militants in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Militants shot dead sarpanch, a Kashmiri Pandit, in Larkipora area in Anantnag at around 6 pm, a police official said.

"Very sorry to hear about killing of sarpanch Ajay Pandita in Anantnag earlier this afteron. I unequivocally condemn this terror attack on a grassroots political worker & pray that his soul rests in peace," National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said in a tweet. 

People's Democratic Party also condemned killing but trained its guns at government.

"Left in lurch by system and hounded by those revolting against it, such is dismal state of political workers. What can someone hope to achieve by silencing those actively serving poor and marginalised? We vehemently condemn such brutal assassination of Mr Ajay Pandita ji," PDP tweeted. 

Congress demanded a judicial enquiry into gruesome incident.

" killing of Ajay Bharti (Pandit) is a mindless and shameful act which needs exemplary punishment against those behind it," a party spokesman said.

He said party demands a judicial enquiry into killing of sarpanch to fix responsibility.

" deceased Ajay Bharti, apprehending attack on his life, had written to Govt for security cover, which was reportedly denied to him. As a result, Bharti lost his life in a gruesome attack," spokesman said.

Apni Party led by Altaf Bukhari also condemned killing.