Militants attacked Ghulam Nabi Khan, president of the Sopore trader's federation, in the main chowk of the town on Sunday morning. They shot at Khan, who was critically injured, a senior police official told rediff.com.
"Khan was taken to the local hospital at Sopore where he succumbed to his injuries," the officer said.
The area was surrounded by the police and paramilitary forces and a massive hunt was launched to nab the killers, said the police.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Sources said Khan was affiliated to the ruling National Conference.