Srinagar | WTNS | September 25:Prominent lawyer and Political Analyst from Srinagar, Advocate Syed Babar Qadri was shot dead by the unknown gunmen in Hawal area of Srinagar on Thursday evening, officials said.

Sources told the Wilayat Times that Advocate Syed Babar Qadri, a young lawyer and political analyst, was fired upon by the unknown gunmen outside his home in Hawal area.

They said the Advocate, who is survived by two minor daughters, was shifted to SKIMS where he was declared brought dead.

The body was later handed over to the family for last rites.

A pall of gloom descended in the residential area of Babar after his body reached there.

The family, relatives and the neighbours especially women were seen wailing when the body arrived there.

Meanwhile, witnesses said that scores of people attended the funeral prayers of the slain Advocate in Hawal area.

Addressing a press conference at Police Control Room (PCR) Srinagar, the Inspector General of Police Kashmir range Vijay Kumar Friday said that incident happened at 6:20 pm yesterday, when two masked men entered into his Hawal, Srinagar residence as clients with files in their hands. “They told Qadri that they had to discuss some accident related case but fired at this head with pistols. Qadri sustained four bullet wounds in his head and died on way to hospital,” he said.

While fleeing, IGP Kashmir said, militants fired a few bullets in air. “We have constituted a SIT headed by SP Hazratbal that will probe the killing of Qadri,” he said.

Meanwhile, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference (NC) vice president, Omar Abdullah in a tweet condemned his killing and termed it as tragic. He said that the sense of tragedy is all the more because he warned of the threat.

“The assassination of Babar Qadri this evening is tragic & I unequivocally condemn it. The sense of tragedy is all the more because he warned of the threat. Sadly his warning was his last tweet,” Omar tweeted.

Former minister and Peoples Conference (PC) president, Sajad Gani Lone in a tweet said that one more Kashmiri falls to bullets.

“Sad news. Advocate Babar Qadri assassinated. One more Kashmiri falls to bullets. Yet another victim of conflict. My thoughts with the family,” Sajad Lone tweeted.

Apni Party vice president Ghulam Hassan Mir also condemned the killing .

“The killing of a young and promising lawyer who represented members of the poorest, most marginalized parts of Kashmir at all the forums available to him, including many of the victims of conflict and their families, has a devastating impact on access to justice in Kashmir,” he said in a statement issued here.

Mir observed that by silencing a lawyer, many victims of the conflict are also silenced. “We have been reiterating this fact that violence begets violence and use of guns will never achieve anything,” Apni Party senior vice president remarked.

Recalling the contribution of the deceased, Mir said that his work as a social activist and a bold lawyer will always be remembered by one and all. “His contribution in promoting social values and extending a helping hand to the underprivileged sections of the society shall act as an inspiration for many bright and promising youth,” Mir said, while demanding immediate probe into his cold blooded murder and a stern action against the culprits. Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family, Mir prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) strongly condemned the killing of Qadri and urged the government to ascertain the identity of killers for exemplary punishment.

Describing the killing of Qadri as unfortunate, shocking and cowardly act, JKPCC spokesperson has expressed anguish over this unfortunate and highly condemnable incident and urged the government to take effective measures to put an end to the bloodshed in Kashmir.

The spokesperson also urged the government to identify the killers for exemplary punishment and conveyed deepest condolences to bereaved family and sympathized with them.

All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) expressed shock and grief at the killing of Advocate Babar Qadri at his residence.

In a Statement to Wilayat Times, APHC(M) said that such gruesome killing is condemnable and heartbreaking. As the conflict lingers another precious life falls prey to it. Expressing condolences with the bereaved family it prayed for the departed soul.

APHC reiterated that the resolution of the Kashmir dispute peacefully is the only way to ensure that precious human lives on all sides are saved from getting consumed in it.