Militants attack polling staff in Shopian, polling officer killed

SRINAGAR: Militants attacked CRPF party along with polling staff when it was coming back after the culmination of polling in Shopian district in the evening. One of the polling official who was critically injured has succumbed to his injuries. Five others were also injured in the attack, DIG south Kashmir Vijay Kumar said.

The deceased polling official was identified as Zia Ul Haq, a teacher by teacher and belonged to the Shopian district itself, the reports said.

DIG Kumar confirmed the death and further said that army swung into action and cordoned off the area. He added that polling staff members in the area have been shifted to safer places and the operation against suspected militants was going on when the reports last came in.

Meanwhile, strongly condemning the killing of polling officer in Shopian area, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said violence has no place in a civilized society.

In a statement, a party spokesman said by splashing blood of innocents on the ground we won't be able to achieve anything. Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family, the spokesman said violence in any form is not acceptable in any case, as it would not solve our problems. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured in the incident