SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- An activist affiliated with pro-India ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a militant were killed during a shootout in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said Tuesday.
The political activist identified as 50-year-old Muhammad Ramzan Sheikh was attacked inside his house, while as the militant was killed after being reportedly hit by bullet of the accomplice in melee when Sheikh's family members entered a physical brawl with them.
The killings took place at Homhuna - Imam Sahib village of Shopian district, 52 km south of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
"Late last evening militants belonging to Hizbul Mujahideen fired upon a former rural body head. However, following the attack family members of the slain entered into a scuffle with the militants, which resulted in his killing," a police official posted in the district told Xinhua. "Apparently it seems militants in order to scare away the family members fired further shots, one of which hit their own companion."
The slain militant was identified as Showkat Ahmad Kumar of Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit.
Earlier this month militants killed a political worker and a policeman in the region inside their houses.
Militants in the region usually target families and individuals for their possible links with Indian police and defense agencies. Even people having associations with pro-India political parties are targeted at times.
