Jahangeer Ganaie

‘Torture by forces’ compelled Sahil to join militancy: Family

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Shopian: The local Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) militant who along with his associate was killed in Shopian encounter on Wednesday as per his family was compelled to join militant ranks after he was subjected to ‘torture’ by forces.
Sahil Nazir, (22) son of Nazir Ahmad Mir of Saidpora village in Memander area of Shopian district went missing in December last year, barely three days after he was tortured during custody inside the Gagran camp of Shopian, his family said.
Soon after being released, Sahil went missing from his home in Saidpora and a few weeks later, they were informed by forces that he has joined militant ranks, they added.
“We especially his mother looked for him everywhere, but to no avail till he was killed just after 70 to 80 days after he left home,” said his cousin Aqib.
He left his studies after passing class 9th and started working as a baker in his neighbouring village Vehil, he said.
Sahil was very handsome and was inclined towards militancy from his childhood, said one of his friends, adding that Sahil was a cricket lover and was known for his batting skills in his area.
Belonging to a middle class family, Sahil is survived by three brothers besides his parents.
Meanwhile, thousands of people participated in Sahil’s last rites in his native village on Wednesday.
Eyewitnesses told ‘Kashmir Vision’ that thousands of people including men and women gathered in Saidpora and participate in funeral of the slain militant.
In order to accommodate the heavy rush of people, at least seven rounds of funereal prayers were held for Sahil in a local field before he was laid to rest in a local graveyard amid massive pro-freedom and pro-militant slogans, they said.
Besides, a complete shutdown was observed in Shopian against the killing of the militants.
Notably, the mobile internet services were also snapped in the district soon after the gunfight raged in the village.


Jahangeer Ganaie

Jahangeer Ganaie is a reporter and covers regional news and can be contacted [email protected]

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