SRINAGAR, India?A prominent separatist who sought dialogue with India and opposed violence was shot to death Tuesday in front of 5,000 people at a ceremony to commemorate another assassinated independence leader.

The slaying of Abdul Ghani Lone came at a time of increasing tensions between India and Pakistan, nuclear powers that have fought over the Himalayan region.

The two masked men who killed Lone escaped and there was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Lone’s murder could cause a further division among militants who already disagree on whether to pursue independence or attachment to Pakistan. It’s also likely to cause more violence from revenge attacks, and could quiet moderates who have sought talks with the Indian government.

Lone was attacked last month by a Hindu nationalist and has said India’s government tried to kill him.