J&K: In Last 24 Hrs, Terrorists Abduct At Least 7 Relatives Of Policemen As Retaliation

Militants on August 30, struck at various locations in south Kashmir and abducted at least seven family members of police personnel from the state. Following the abductions, a high alert has been issued by the security officials in the south Kashmir region.

Kin of police officials abducted

The abduction reportedly took place in Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag and Awantipora in southern Kashmir and the abductees are all related to active officials working in Kashmir. According to Hindustan Times, those who have been abducted are Zubair Ahmad, Arif Ahmed, Faizan Ahmad, Sumar Ahmad Rather, Gowhar Ahmad. Gowhar is reportedly the brother of a deputy superintendent of police from Katapora in Kulgam.

Earlier on the same day, Nasir Ahmad, son of a policeman from Midoora village in Pulwama’s Tral area was abducted by the militants, whereas, Asif Ahmad, son of local policeman Rafiq Ahmad Rather was abducted from Tral a day before, reported the daily.

Reportedly, a video of his family members pleading the militants to release their son has surfaced online, reported NDTV. Following the abductions, the authorities have decided to launch a massive manhunt in south Kashmir region to trace those who have been abducted by the militants.

Militants retaliate

Reportedly, the kidnappings of the kin of security officials is a pressure tactic by the terrorists after the officials conducted multiple raids and arrested militants in the area. Security officials, according to The Hindu had arrested 11 people who are mainly relatives of active militants in south Kashmir region, including Hizbul Mujahideen ‘operational commander’ Riyaz Naikoo’s father from Awantipora. Yesterday, the National Investigation Agency had also arrested Hizbul Mujahideen leader Syed Salahuddin’s elder son in a 2011 money laundering case.
The spat between the security officials and the militants have been ongoing since Eid on August 22. On Wednesday, militants shot dead four police personnel in Shopian, hours after a top commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen, and his associate was killed by the security forces. Reportedly, on Eid, militants shot dead three police officials as well.

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