Mob sets slain PDP leader’s house on fire, family rescued: police

Srinagar, October 17

A mob instigated by anti-national elements and over ground workers of the Hizbul Mujahideen militant group on Tuesday set on fire a house belonging to a slain PDP leader, who was gunned down by militants in the Shopian district of south Kashmir.

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Mohammed Ramzan Sheikh, a former sarpanch, was killed by militants last night at his house located at Humhuna of Shopian.

Sheikh's family members had a scuffle with the assailants in which one of the militants identified as Showkat Ahmed was also killed.

As the mourners were gathering at the residence of Sheikh, a mob mainly comprising of over ground workers of Hizbul Mujahideen and other anti-national elements attacked the house, police said.

Immediately, police swung into action and rescued the family members which included Sheikh's mother, Rafiqa, wife Nusrat Begum, brother Farooq Ahmed Sheikh, his two sons and two daughters.

Terming it as inhumane, Director General of Police S P Vaid said, "The family had not even condoled the death of their loved one properly before such a senseless act instigated by terrorists was perpetrated on them in less than 24 hours."

"Tears of two small daughters and two sons may not have dried off their cheeks and they had to witness inhumanity once again. It’s a shameless act," Vaid said.

He said an FIR has been registered against the rioters. Strict action as per law will be taken against those involved in the incident, Vaid said. — PTI