Hurriyat leader shot dead

A former militant and commander of Students Liberation Front, Rafiq had joined militants ranks in early 908217;s and was jailed several times. After his release, Rafiq remained in contact with Kashmir Liberation Council KLC, a political organisation. He later quit KLC to form his own party, Peoples Liberation League PLL and became its founding chairman. PLL is a member of the Hurriyat Conference moderate group led by Maulvi Umer Farooq.

Condemning Rafiq8217;s murder, Hurriyat spokesperson said that they condemned any killing in the Valley.

8216;8216;With these killings the enemies are not going to stop us from our struggle. Rafiq was one of our dedicated leaders and played an important role in the struggle8217;8217; said the Hurriyat spokesman. Militant groups Save Kashmir and Tahreek-e-Jehad have claimed responsibility for the attack on the Hurriyat leader.