Jammu and Kashmir: 3 abducted family members of police personnel released by terrorists, 7 still in captivity
The kidnapping come days after security forces conducted multiple raids and arrested relatives of some terrorists in the area.
Three abducted family members of policemen were released by the terrorists on Friday. However, seven family members of Jammu and Kashmir policemen are still in the captivity of the terrorists.
Ten family members of policemen were kidnapped after terrorists raided the homes of several police officers in south Kashmir on Thursday evening. According to latest reports, terrorists have kidnapped nephew of Deputy SP Mohd Syed Shah from Shopian district.
According to police, the kidnappings are pressure tactics by the terrorists after the arrest of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin's son in a terror funding case. The kidnappings come days after security forces conducted multiple raids and arrested relatives of some terrorists in the area.
Earlier on Wednesday, the son of a policemen was kidnapped from Tral. The family members have appealed to the kidnappers to release their son. In her appeal, the mother has requested the terror groups to show mercy. A video that has surfaced on social media shows the family and relative pleadings for the child's release.
Police did not immediately gave any official statement and said they were trying to ascertain reports of abductions.
However, officials privy to the development, said that at least five people, whose family members were working in the Jammu and Kashmir Police, have been picked up by militants from Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag and Awantipora.
Among those abducted included brother of a deputy superintendent of police.
Police added that they are working to ensure the safety and release of the family members of the policemen.
Security forces have went on rampage on Wednesday after killing of four policemen in Shopian in south Kashmir and damaged some houses belonging to militants.
In a related development, kin of a policeman, who was abducted from Ganderbal district in central Kashmir, was released after being mercilessly beaten up by militants.
Protests were held at various areas in south Kashmir against the family members of terrorists and burning of houses of two terrorists in the area. Villager allege that security forces have burnt the houses of terrorists after the murders of four policemen during an attack at Shopian on Wednesday.
A high-level security meeting was held by top brass of security forces on Thursday evening where it was decided that a massive manhunt would be started with the first light on Friday to trace the abducted persons.
Meanwhile, a statement purportedly issued by Hizbul operational commander Riyaz Naikoo, on the social media said that henceforth the militants would follow "an eye for an eye policy".
"Police has compelled us to follow the course of an eye for an eye and an ear for an ear.
"Policemen are advised in their own interest to give up their jobs or be prepared to face the worst," Naikoo, whose father was arrested by police two days back, said.
Reacting to the development, former state Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah tweeted: "11 abductions! This is a very worrying reflection of the situation in the valley.
"What's worse is the selective outrage -- people/leaders who are so vocal about alleged security force excesses are silent about these abductions."
The PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said families of either militants or forces should not be made to suffer for something they have little control over.
Allegations were made that security forces went on the rampage on Wednesday after killing of four policemen in Shopian in south Kashmir and damaged some houses belonging to militants.
"Militants and forces victimising each other's families is highly condemnable and marks a new low in our situation. Families shouldn't become casualties and made to suffer for something they have little control over," Mehbooba wrote on Twitter.
In a related development, kin of a policeman, who was abducted from Ganderbal district in central Kashmir, was released after being mercilessly beaten up by militants.
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