Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Minister and senior National Conference (NC) leader Safder Beg was today (Oct 21, 2004) shot dead by unidentified militants outside his house in Anantnag District.

Beg, accompanied by his personal security officer Javid Ahmad, was fired upon by militants from point blank outside his Sarnal residence, 60 kms from Srinagar, official sources said.

The 59-year-old NC leader received four bullets, two each in head and chest, and died on way to hospital, they said adding that his PSO was also seriously injured.

The entire area was cordoned off and a hunt launched to nab the militants, the sources said.