An off-duty soldier of the Territorial Army was abducted and subsequently killed by unidentified terrorists in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Saturday. Police launched a manhunt for the killers after the bullet-riddled body was recovered.
The martyred soldier has been identified as Muhammad Irfan Dar, a resident of Sanzan village who was posted in Gurez area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, had visited home on holidays. His bullet-ridden body was found near Wothmula Nad area of Keegam, said a police official.
Police said that prima facie the soldier was first abducted and later killed by suspected terrorists.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned the killing of the soldier, saying such acts would not weaken the resolve to establish peace in the Valley.
“Strongly condemn the brutal killing of Irfan, a brave Territorial Army soldier, at Shopian. Such heinous acts will not weaken our resolve to establish peace and normalcy in the Valley,” Mehbooba tweeted. She said it was very unfortunate that such acts of unending violence have been taking a heavy toll of younger generation “which is the future hope of our society”.
Former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah termed the killing as tragic and reprehensible. “The murder of young Irfan Dar is a very tragic & reprehensible act. My unqualified condemnation & heartfelt condolences to his family,” tweeted Abdullah.
Dar is the second off-duty soldier who was kidnapped and subsequently killed by terrorists in Shopian area this year where Hizbul Mujahideen and lashkar-e-Tayyeba outfits have sizeable cadre.
Earlier during summer, lieutenant Umar Fayaz, a young army officer, was kidnapped from Kapran area and killed. The killing evoked widespread condemnation. The police gave issued advisory to its personnel to avoid frequenting their homes while the army men have been asked to report to the nearest camps should they choose to go home in holidays.