Unidentified gunmen kill man in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Unidentified gunmen shot dead a 40-year-old man Monday in Indian- controlled Kashmir, police said.

The man was fired upon in Gasoo of Hazratbal area in outskirts of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Two unidentified gunmen this evening fired upon 40-year-old Abdul Ahad Dar from a close range near his house," a police official said. "Dar suffered wounds in head and was immediately rushed to hospital in the vicinity but doctors there declared him brought dead."

Family members of Dar told Xinhua he succumbed to his wounds, while being taken to hospital.

According to officials, Dar was an employee in region's health department.

Police officials said the gunmen fled the scene after attacking Dar.

"We have started investigations in this killing and a manhunt has been launched to nab the assailants" a senior police official said.

Police officials usually blame militants for mysterious killings. However, so far no militant outfit has claimed responsibility of the killing.

Militants in the region usually target families and individuals for their possible links with police and defense agencies. Even people having associations with pro-Indian political parties are targeted at times. A guerrilla war is going on between militants and Indian troops stationed in the region since 1989. Endi