Five youth missing from south Kashmir may have joined militancy

PULWAMA — At least five youths from southern districts of Kashmir have reportedly gone missing in the last month and may have joined the militant ranks, official sources said.

The missing youth have been identified as Shahid Ahmad Allaie, Mohsin Ahmad Wani, Nawaz Ahmad Ganie, Owais Ahmad Mir and Bilal Ahmad Wagay.

Shahid Ahmad Allaie (17), son of Fayaz Ahmad Allaie of Khul in Damhal Hanjipora area of Kulgam district went missing on February 7 from Srinagar, where he was studying, said a police official.

He added that his family has lodged a missing report in this regard and efforts are on to trace him.

Mohsin Ahmad Wani (27), son of Mohammed Yousuf Wani of Ayend village in Shopian district, according to official sources, has gone missing on February 10 and till now, there are no traces of him.

Nawaz Ahmad Ganaie, son of Mohammed Akbar Ganaie of Murran Pulwama, according to official sources, went missing a week ago.

An electrician by profession, Nawaz has never taken part in any protests and stone pelting, Nawaz’s friend said. Belonging to a middle-class family, Nawaz has left behind a brother besides his parents.

Owais Ahmad Mir (23), son of Mohammed Amin Mir of Ashmander village in Pulwama district, according to official sources, went missing on February 18.

An X-Ray technician diploma holder and belonging to a well-off family, Owais was working at a private laboratory in Pulwama town before he went missing, said one of his friends. He has left behind three brothers besides his parents.

Bilal Ahmad Wagay, son of the late Bashir of Wagay of Udipora Panzgam village of Litter Tehsil in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, went missing on February 16.

Belonging to a middle-class family, Bilal is survived by three brothers besides widow mother. His friends said that he was beaten by forces several times and once his one arm was completely fractured.

A senior police official while confirming that at least five youths have gone missing in southern Pulwama said that it is likely that most of them have already joined militant ranks. He said that efforts are on to trace them so that they can shun this path of violence.