J&K: Missing soldier in Kulgam kidnapped by terrorists, suspects Army

Srinagar: A day after a soldier went missing from Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam region, Indian Army on Monday suspected that he has been kidnapped by terrorists. The army has launched a search operation to find the missing soldier.

According to the Army, Rifleman Shakir Manzoor of 162 Battalion (TA) went out to celebrate with his family in Shopian last evening and his whereabouts are unknown ever since.

Earlier today, Manzoor's car was found abandoned and in burnt condition near Rambhama area of Kulgam district, which borders Shopian.

Confirming the latest developments in the matter, Army's Chinar Corps released a statement reading, "Rifleman Shakir Manzoor of 162 Battalion (TA), is missing since 5:00 pm yesterday. His abandoned burnt car has been found near Kulgam. It is suspected that the soldier has been abducted by terrorists. Search operation in progress."

The security forces are conducting search operation in Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag district. The local police are using drones and sniffer dogs to locate the missing soldier.

Manzoor's family has made an appeal that he should not be harmed and returned to them safely.