According to news reports, terrorists opened fire on three political workers at Karfari Mohalla in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Reportedly, two National Conference workers were killed in the shooting and one was injured in the firing. The shooting reportedly took place in the morning, said local reports. The two politicians succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The Omar Abdullah led NC and Mehbooba Mufti's PDP have already said that they would not be participating in the Panchayat and Urban Body Polls.

The killing of the political leaders, which comes a month before the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Elections 2018, is bound to become a issue in the valley. Jammu & Kashmir Civic Elections 2018: After NC, PDP Announces Boycott of Panchayat & Urban Body Polls.

The State Election Commission (SEC) on September 16 announced the final schedule of panchayat elections in Jammu & Kashmir. J&K SEC chief Shaleen Kabra had said the polls will be held in nine phases, beginning from November 17 to December 11. Jammu & Kashmir Panchayat Elections 2018 Schedule: Polling to be Held in 9 Phases From November 17 to December 11; Voting Through Ballot Papers.

Voting would be conducted through ballot papers only, the chief electoral office clarified, adding that the votes would be counted on the day of polling.

Panchayat polls will be held in 9 phases. Date of polls will be November 17, 20, 24, 27, 29, December 1,4, 8 and 11. Counting will take place on the day of polling. Votes will be cast using ballot paper confirmed Shaleen Kabra, J&K Chief Electoral Officer.

In the panchayat polls, a total of 4,130 sarpanch, 29,719 panch and 1,145 ward commissioners will be elected. The last panchayat elections in the state was held in 2011. Although the fresh elections were due in 2016, the then state government was forced to defer due to the widespread unrest in the Valley following the death of militant Burhan Wani.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 05, 2018 12:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).