The bullet-riddled body of an Indian Army officer of lieutenant rank was found in the Herman area in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as one Umar Fayaz, who was a doctor in the Army and a resident of Kulgam in the state.
Local reports say Fayaz had been abducted by terrorists on Tuesday. The discovery of his body on Wednesday is being seen as an indication that the terrorists had shot him and disposed of his body. Fayaz had come home from a posting recently to attend a family function, said local sources. He had joined the Army only in December last year.
Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has said of the incident: "The abduction and murder of Lt Ummer Fayaz by terrorists is dastardly act of cowardice. This young officer from J&K was a role model." He added: "Lt Ummer Fayaz was an exceptional sportsman. His sacrifice reiterates the nation's commitment to eliminate terrorism from the Valley."
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir was quoted by ANI as saying about the incident: "We condemn this incident. Let an investigation take place. This will merit a proper response."
South Kashmir — of which the Shopian district is a part — has been a hotbed of terrorist activities in recent times. When they are not looting banks or snatching weapons from the security forces, they are attacking security personnel. In fact, the bank-looting has become so rampant that the Jammu and Kashmir Bank has actually been told to go cashless!
Meanwhile, even informants and others who help the security forces are also not being spared. a video surfaced recently showing two such people being tortured by Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists. The clip drew widespread condemnation, amid calls for the Indian Army and the BSF to give a fitting reply to the terrorists.
As if that was not enough, stone-pelters are once again increasingly targeting the security forces, despite warnings that they could be killed if they are found intervening in anti-terrorist operations. Although some interesting solutions are being mulled over to combat the situation, stone-pelting continues to trouble jawans.
