SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, May 10 (Xinhua) -- An Indian army officer was kidnapped and subsequently killed by militants Wednesday in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.
Body of the young officer was found at village Harman in Shopian district, about 57 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
"Last night militants abducted a young army officer Lieutenant Ummer Faiyaz from a marriage ceremony of his relative and today morning we found his bullet-ridden body here," a police officer posted in Shopian told Xinhua over telephone.
Reports said Faiyaz had joined Indian army some five months ago and was posted with the Rajasthan Rifles in Akhnoor of Jammu district.
So far no militant outfit has claimed responsibility of the attack.
Indian army spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia has expressed grief and condemned the killing of officer.
"The army salutes the brave heart and stands by the bereaved family in this hour of tragedy and commits to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act of terror to justice," Kalia said.
Last month region's Police Chief, Shesh Paul Vaid issued an advisory to its personnel especially hailing from southern districts cautioning them to avoid visiting their homes for few months. The order was issued in view of the incidents of gunmen entering houses of policemen and damaging their property besides asking them to quit jobs.
There has been an increase in militant attacks in districts south of Srinagar.
Two civilians, a policeman and a militant were killed in an attack in Mir Bazar of Kulgam district on Sunday.
Indian troops last week launched a massive search operation in over two dozen villages of Shopian to trace militants. The troops pressed in helicopters and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to comb the orchards in the district.
