Srinagar: A Rifleman of Territorial Army (TA) was abducted by suspected militants and his abandoned burnt car was recovered on Sunday evening in south Kashmir district of Kulgam, a defence ministry spokesman said this afternoon.
Meanwhile, the family members of the Rifleman have appealed for his release.
Spokesman said that Rifleman Shakir Manzoor of 162 Batallion TA is missing since 1700 hrs on Sunday. However, his bandoned burnt car has been found near Kulgam, he said adding it is suspected that the soldier has been abducted by militants.
He said massive searches have been launched to trace the missing soldier.
Official sources said Shakir had left his home at Harmain Shopian last evening in the car. However, when he did not return back, police was informed and a massive hunt was launched to trace him.
They said the burnt car of Shakir, who was on leave to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha with family, was later recovered at Rambhama in Kulgam.
Meanwhile, family members of soldier have appealed to abductor to release him on humanitarian grounds.
This is not the first time soldiers who had come on leave to celebrate festivals or other social gatherings with their were abducted by militants in south Kashmir. However, some of them were released while others were killed.
Army officer Lieutenant Umar Fayaz was abducted and later killed by militants in May 2017 in Shopian in south Kashmir.
UNI BAS
