Massive Search Underway for Kashmir Soldier Who Vanished During Home Leave

Family members of the soldier suspect he has been kidnapped by terrorists

Srinagar:

An Armyman has gone missing in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

Rifleman Javed Ahmad belongs to Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry regiment and came home on leave around Eid. He was to return and join duty tomorrow.

Around 6.30 pm yesterday, he stepped out to buy some items from the market. He was driving an Alto car. When he did not return till 9 pm, his family members started looking. The car was found near the market and reports claimed it had blood stains.

Kashmir police have registered a case and arrested some suspects.

Security forces have launched a search operation for the 25-year-old soldier.

The family members of the soldier suspect he has been kidnapped by terrorists and have put out a video statement, appealing for his release.

“Please forgive us. Release my son, release my Javed. I will not let him work in Army, but please release him,” the soldier’s grieving mother was heard saying in the video.

The soldier’s father Mohammad Ayub Wani said, “My son was posted in Ladakh.  He had come home just after Eid and was supposed to join back on duty tomorrow. He had stepped out last evening to buy some stuff from the market. He was stopped by some people and kidnapped. I appeal to them, please release my son.” 

In the past, several soldiers at home on leave have been abducted and killed by terrorists in the area.