Reports of abduction of Army soldier in J&K incorrect: Defence Ministry

An Indian Army soldier who was reported to be abducted by suspected terrorists on Friday is safe, officials said on Saturday.

Police had said on Friday that suspected terrorists abducted a soldier of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) who was on leave after they stormed his home in the Qazipora village in Central Kashmir's Budgam district around 9 pm.

A massive hunt was launched by the security forces to track down the abductors and release the soldier from their captivity, officials said. 

However, the Defence Ministry on Saturday denied the reports and said they are incorrect. 

"Media reports of the abduction of a serving Army soldier (Mohammad Yaseen) on leave from Qazipora, Chadoora, Budgam(J&K) are incorrect. Individual is safe. Speculations may please be avoided," a defence spokesperson said. 

The reports of abduction of a soldier came nine months after terrorists abducted and killed Rifleman Aurangzeb in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.

On June 14 last year, 24-year-old son Rifleman Aurangzeb of 44 Rashtriya Riffles was abducted and killed in south Kashmir's Pulwama district when he was going home to celebrate Eid with his family.

Rifleman Aurangzeb was later awarded Shaurya Chakra — the third highest peacetime gallantry award.

Earlier on May 10, 2017, terrorists abducted 22-year-old Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz of Rajputana Riffles from the residence of his maternal uncle in Batpora village of Shopian district where he had gone to attend the marriage of his cousin sister. He was taken to the neighbouring Harmain village where he was shot dead.

(With inputs from Ishfaq-ul-Hassan)