Srinagar, Aug 7: Massive search operations have been launched and sniffer dogs pressed into service after cloths of a Rifleman abducted by suspected militants on Sunday evening were found in an orchard in Shopian in south Kashmir on Friday morning.
Official sources said rifleman Shakir Manzoor of 162 Territorial Army (TA) was reported missing since 1700 hrs on Sunday. However, his abandoned burnt car was later found at Rambhama Kulgam same evening, he said adding it is suspected that the soldier has been abducted by militants.
Sources said Shakir, who had come to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha with family, had left his home at Harmain Shopian Sunday evening in the car. However, when he did not return back, police was informed and a massive hunt was launched to trace him.
However, this morning some villagers informed the police that they found some cloths in an orchard at Landoora, Shopian.
Sources said the entire area was immediately sealed and sniffer dogs were pressed into service after the cloths of the army man were recovered.
The forces have launched massive search operation to trace the kidnapped soldier.
Meanwhile, family members of the abducted army man have appealed to abductor to release him on humanitarian grounds.
This is not the first time army men 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. The Army authorities had directed all army men from Kashmir to take extra precautions when they visit home on leave.
