Soldier Goes Missing In Kashmir’s Kulgam

A massive search is underway for a missing Kashmiri soldier who returned home on leave

An Armyman is reported missing in Kulgam district in south Kashmir.

Rifleman Javed Ahmad, a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry regiment, arrived home on leave around Eid. He was scheduled to return and resume duty tomorrow. However, he is now missing.

Around 6.30 pm yesterday, Rifleman Javed Ahmad stepped out to purchase some items from the market, driving an Alto car. However, he did not return until 9 pm, which prompted his family members to start searching for him. The car was discovered near the market, and there were reports indicating the presence of blood stains.

Kashmir police have filed a case and apprehended several suspects. In addition, security forces have initiated a search operation to locate the 25-year-old soldier.

The soldier's family members believe that he might have been kidnapped by terrorists and have released a video statement appealing for his safe return. In the emotional video, the soldier's grieving mother was heard saying, "Please forgive us. Release my son, release my Javed. I will not let him work in the Army, but please release him."

The soldier's father, Mohammad Ayub Wani, stated, "My son was stationed in Ladakh. He had returned home shortly after Eid and was supposed to resume duty tomorrow. Yesterday evening, he went out to buy some items from the market when he was intercepted and kidnapped by certain individuals. I plead with them to release my son."

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