Shopian family appeals ‘militant’ son to return home

SHOPIAN — A purported video is viral in which a family from south Kashmir’s Shopian district makes a fervent appeal to their militant son, just 17 years old, to return home for the sake of his elderly parents.

In the video, family members are requesting militants to send their little son back to home. However, it is not clear whether the youth in question has joined militant ranks or not.

Family sources said that 17-year-old boy, Syed Shakir son of Muhammad Shafi, a resident of Nazneenpora Shopian, has gone missing five days ago. Despite searching for him, he was untraceable. “The family has a reason to believe that he has joined the militant ranks as they have received information from different quarters that Syed Shakir has joined a militant outfit.”

Syed Shakir, according to sources, is the cousin of Naveed Babu who was arrested with tainted police officer Davinder Singh. Last year, one of his cousins Syed Ruban was killed in an encounter with government forces.

Family has also approached police station and lodged a missing report about their son. “We are shocked because Shakir never made us believe that he was inclined towards militancy. He was having a different lifestyle, but of late showed deep interest in religious affairs.”

“His health is not sound, besides he is too young. Our family is shattered. We appeal to him, wherever he is, to come back home. Do not leave us like this,” his sister said.