Gunmen kill elected local body official, policeman in Kashmir attack

Gunmen killed an official of India’s ruling party and a policeman in disputed Kashmir on Monday, police said.

Police blamed anti-India militants for the attack. None of the rebel groups that have been fighting against Indian rule since 1989 immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

Police officer Amritpal Singh said militants fired at a municipal office in northwestern Sopore town during a meeting of local councilors. A councilor and a police official were killed and another councilor was wounded, he said.

Police and soldiers cordoned off the area and searched for the attackers.

The dead councilor was a member of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

The Himalayan region of Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and both countries claim it in its entirety. Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebel goal that the territory be united, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

New Delhi describes the Kashmir militancy as Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan denies the charge, and most Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle.

Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict.

Read more:

Arrival of “sticky bombs” in Indian Kashmir sets off alarm bells

Pakistan army chief calls for peaceful resolution in Kashmir, talks with India

India, Pakistan agree to halt firing along disputed Kashmir border