Missing from Srinagar, young boy joins militant ranks

SRINAGAR — A missing youth from central Kashmir’s Srinagar district has reportedly joined militant ranks.

The young boy, identified as Saqib Manzoor Dar son of Manzoor Ahmad Dar from Old Barzulla area of Srinagar, went missing on August 05. After his disappearance, a missing report was lodged at Police Station Saddar, police sources said.

On Friday evening, an audio message purportedly of Saqib went viral on social media, which announced his joining into militant ranks.

24-year-old Saqib Manzoor was pursuing graduation from Government Degree College Bemina, one of his family members said.

In the audio message, Saqib Manzoor can be heard saying to his parents, “Not to search him as he has chosen the way of Allah and is safe.”

A police official said that they are verifying the authenticity of the audio.

It is pertinent to mention that Saqib’s joining came after IG Kashmir, said in a tweet that there’s no individual from Srinagar active in any militant group now.