Another Youth Joins Militancy, Family Seeks His Return

Pulwama, Jun 22: Two days after a fresh recruit militant was killed in Tral encounter, an undergraduate science student who had gone missing on Sunday morning has made his appearance with weapons, announcing his joining the militant ranks.

The photograph of 21-year-old youth identified as Muhammad Shariq Wani, son of Ghulam Muhammad Wani, resident of Hariparigam belt of Tral area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, wielding guns went viral on the social media.

According to the photograph, the youth has joined Jaish-e-Muhammad, (JeM) militant organization.

Shariq who is known by name of Tajamul at home was a final year student of BSc Lab technology and as per photograph he has been given ‘nom de guerre’ (assumed name) as Adeel Bhai.

Ghulam Muhammad Wani, father of Shariq said that on Sunday morning (17 June) he left home and didn’t return.

“We got worried and called our relatives and his friends but couldn’t find him after which we filed a missing report at the concerned police station,” he said.

“We were hopeful about his return but we got shocked after his picture carrying a gun went viral on social media as we were never expecting this step from him,” he said. He added that “we have been sharing his photographs on social media, appealing him to come back as the health of his mother is deteriorating with each passing day and she has been hospitalized.

Pertinently, a video has also gone viral in which Shariq’s parents were seen wailing and urging their beloved to return home.

Meanwhile, a senior police official said that they are checking the authenticity of the picture.
Story: Jahangeer Ganaie