Srinagar: A Kashmiri soldier who had deserted the ranks of Indian army early this month has joined militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.
Sepoy Zahoor Ahmed Tokar of Sirnoo, Pulwama, who was posted in 173 Territorial Army Engineering regiment at Gantmulla Baramulla, had fled with an AK rifle and three magazines on July 06. There were apprehensions among many at the time of his disappearance that the soldier may end up joining the militant ranks but there was no claim or confirmation from any side.
However, the chief commander of Hizb, Syed Salahuddin today in a statement issued here said that the Sepoy Zahoor has joined the ranks of Hizbul Mujahideen. He while “expressing satisfaction” over the joining of an army man into the militant outfit hoped that other freedom loving policemen and officers will follow suit, a statement issued here by the Hizb said.
“Earlier as well so many policemen and officer have joined militant ranks and sacrificed their precious life for sake of Kashmir Freedom Struggle. Zahoor Ahmed, hopefully will prove an asset for this ongoing struggle,” Salahuddin said, as per the statement.
In May, Constable Syed Naveed Mushtaq, a resident of volatile Shopian district, had fled with four INSAS rifles, including his own rifle, from the guard post at the Food Corporation of India godown at Chondpora in Budgam and later joined militant ranks. Like Naveed, the picture of Zahoor has also surfaced on social networking websites wherein he is seen with an AK 47 rifle and in military fatigue.
(GNS)
