Five youth go missing in south Kashmir, three join militant ranks
Pulwama: Despite a surge in the number of encounters and subsequent killing of militants reports about youth joining the militant ranks in south Kashmir are pouring in.
Reports said that at least five youth from Pulwama have gone missing this month who have been identified as Irshad Ahmad Dar son of Mohammad Yousuf Dar resident of Trichal Pulwama, Nazim Ahmad Dar son of Abdul Ahad Dar resident of Hakripora Pulwama, Rafiq Ahmad Dar son of Abdul Aziz Dar of Karnabal Samboora Pulwama, Aqib Ramzan son of Ramzan Wani resident of Bra Bandina Pulwama and Muneeb ul Islam Seh son of Habib ullah Seh resident of Sugan Shopian.
Reports added that among them three have announced their joining the militant ranks as their photographs while carrying guns have gone viral on social media while as there are no traces of other two.
However, official sources said that it is likely that they too have joined the militant ranks.
Irshad, Nazim and Rafiq as per photographs have joined LeT and as per the photograph that have emerged on social media they have been given nom de guerre as Abu Usama, Rehan Bhai and Abu Qasim respectively.
Official sources said that Irshad and Rafiq were missing from last week of May while as Nazim went missing since the past one week.
Notably, Muneeb and Aaqib are missing from 10th June this Month, they said.
Aaqib according to his friends was presently pursuing PG in economics at Islamic University of Science and Technology Awantipora. He is brother of slain militant Suhail Ahmad Wani who was killed in year 2007 in Kupwara district.
Belonging to a middle class family he has left behind a brother besides his parents.
Muneeb, a BSc 3rd year student according to his family went missing in second week of June and still there are no traces of him however, official sources said that it is likely that he has joined Hizb Mujahiddeen.
According to locals Muneeb’ s father Habi ullah is considered as the most knowledgeable and respected person of the area who delivers Friday sermons in his native Village.
Habibullah according to locals was arrested soon after government announced a ban of Jamaat-e-Islami, however, he was released recently.
Jahangeer Ganaie
