Srinagar, March 30: At least one civilian was shot dead by suspected terrorists at Main Chowk in Jammu & Kashmir's Baramulla on Saturday. The incident sparked a security alarm in the locality, with the J&K Police launching a search operation to nab the shooters. Preliminary reports claim that the attackers are affiliated to insurgent groups operating in the Valley.

The deceased civilian's identity was yet to be confirmed by the time this report was first published. The incident occurred shortly after a group of militants, in South Kashmir's Pulwama, lobbed grenade at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) picket near the State Bank of India (SBI) branch. One jawan was injured in the grenade attack. An operation was launched by the security forces to apprehend the militants.

Earlier in the day, jawans part of a CRPF convoy on Jammu-Srinagar highway had a close shave, as a cylinder-laden car near Ramban exploded. No casualties were incurred in the incident. Preliminary inquiry has ruled out foul play.

Meanwhile, security has been escalated across Jammu & Kashmir in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2019. All the six parliamentary constituencies in the state would be contested.

In the militancy-hit South Kashmir, polling in Baramulla will be held on April 11, in Srinagar on April 18, whereas, Anantnag would go to polls in three phases -- on April 23, 29 and May 6.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 30, 2019 05:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).