Budgam (Jammu and Kashmir)

In what appears to be a targeted killing, a Kashmiri Pandit was shot dead by terrorists in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir Thursday. The deceased have been identified as Rahul Bhat, an employee of the Tehsil office in the Budgam district's Chadoora.

Injured Rahul Bhat was taken to Srinagar's SMHS hospital, where he was declared dead.

 Condemning the crime, The Jammu and Kashmir police tweeted, "The #injured was immediately brought to SMHS Hospital, Srinagar for treatment where he #succumbed to his injuries. Preliminary investigation reveals that 02 #terrorists are #involved in this #heinous crime and have used pistol for committing this crime."

Meanwhile, the search operation was launched immediately after the incident to nab the attackers.

He was the only Kashmiri Pandit working in the office where it sees the access points were not controlled.

His death has led to protests by Kashmiri Pandit employees who have since returned after being employed under a special scheme for rehabilitation of the community that had to leave the Valley 30 years ago due to terrorism and targeted killings.