Unidentified gunmen killed a sarpanch in North Kashmir's Sopore town on Friday. The killing - fourth since Panchayat elections in 2011 - has raised fresh security concerns among local representatives. Similar attacks in the past have prompted mass resignations.

Two weeks ago the National Human Rights Commission had issued notices to the Union and state governments asking "what measures have been taken to ensure the safety and security of panchayat members."

The police said unknown militants fired at Habibullah Mir in the compound of his house in Gooripora Bomie in Sopore. He was immediately taken to a hospital where he died.