PDP leader shot dead by militants
Militants shot dead Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Abdul Gani Dar on Monday amid mounting tension and clashes between civilians and security forces in Kashmir.
Pulwama superintendent of police Rayees Mohammad Bhat told HT that Dar — Pulwama unit president of the state’s ruling party — was travelling in a car when motorcyle-borne militants opened fire on him and escaped.
The critically injured leader was shifted to Srinagar’s SMHS hospital and died on the way.
Medical superintendent of SMHS hospital, Dr Nazir Chowdary, said: “The person was brought dead. He is no more.”
He was hit with multiple bullets in his chest, a source said.
The attack came just hours after Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and pressed for a dialogue with separatists in the state.
Mehbooba, who is under pressure in the face of fresh street protests in Kashmir, briefed Modi on the prevailing situation and the way forward. Earlier this month, advocate Imtiyaz Ahmad Khan, who was associated with National Conference, was shot dead in Shopian district.
Moreover, last week, a grainy short video had emerged, showing Wali Mohammed Bhat, a supporter of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), apologising profusely and shouting anti-India slogans at gunpoint.
Two days after his name started doing the rounds again for the post of President, senior politician and NCP chief Sharad Pawar denied that he was in the race for the post.
Pawar’s refusal comes after his candidature was floated by CPI(M) leaders Sitaram Yechury and Prakash Karat. The leaders felt Pawar was apt for the post as he enjoyed cordial relations with all political parties and could keep a check on the BJP.
Talking to media persons in Solapur, Pawar said the BJP had enough strength to win the election for the post of President. “My party does not have enough strength. Election can be unanimous if Prime Minister Narendra Modi opens dialogue with the opposition parties,” he said. “I am not in the race for the post of President. I cannot dream of the post when my party has only 14 MPs,” Pawar added.
The NCP chief admitted that Modi continues to influence voters, which was visible in the Uttar Pradesh elections. He, however, remarked that any wave cannot sustain for a long time. “Political parties have failed to pose a strong alternative to Narendra Modi and people are voting for BJP,” he said.
ABDUL GANI DAR WAS TRAVELLING IN A CAR WHEN MILITANTS OPENED FIRE ON
HIM AND ESCAPED