Woman candidate shot dead by militants

Militants have shot dead a woman candidate of panchayat elections in Chrar-e-Sharief area of Budgam district in central Kashmir, officials said here today.

Hasina Begum (40) was shot dead by the ultras at Karpora in Pakherpora area of Chrar-e-Sharief last night, officials said.

This is the first political killing in Kashmir since the 16-phase polls began on April 13.
Begum, a panch candidate for the polls to be held on April 21, was rushed to the District Hospital Pulwama where she succumbed to injuries.

Although the panchayat elections are being held on non-partisan basis, Begum was affiliated with Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).