BJP councillor Rakesh Pandita shot dead by terrorists in J&K's Pulwama

Pandita was at his friend's home in Pulwama's Tral area when three terrorists barged in and opened fire,  media reports said.

While he died on the spot, a woman identified as Asifa Mushtaq was injured in the attack.

She is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Srinagar and her condition is learnt to be critical.

Police said the BJP leader had been provided with Personal Security Officers (PSO) and was lodged at a hotel in Srinagar to ensure his safety. However, he went to Tral without the security personnel.

"#Terrorists shot dead one councillor namely Rakesh Pandita in #Tral. Despite provided 02 PSOs & secured hotel accommodation in Srinagar, the said councillor went to Tral without PSOs. Area cordoned off & search is going on. @JmuKmrPolice," Kashmir Zone Police said in a tweet.

Following the incident, the office of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said in a statement, "Saddened to hear about the terror attack on Councillor Rakesh Pandita at Tral, Pulwama. I strongly condemn the attack. My condolences to the bereaved family in this time of grief."

"Terrorists will never succeed in their nefarious designs, and those responsible for such heinous acts shall be brought to justice," the statement added.

Former Chief Minister and president of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mehbooba Mufti, expressed her condolences and condemned such acts of "senseless violence".