Kulgam’s NDA qualified youth goes missing, family appeals him return home

Umaisar Gull Ganie

Matter under investigation: SP Kulgam

Kulgam, April 18: A 21-year-old National Defense Academy (NDA) qualified and Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V. Sc) Graduate student from South Kashmir’s Kulgam district has gone missing since March 27 while his family has urged him to return home and appealed government to help them in tracing their beloved.

Family sources told news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a youth identified as Nadeem Ahmad Rather @Dr. Raja Nadeem, son of Abdul Rehman Rather has gone missing since March 27 after he left home for his routine work.

His father Abdul Rehman Rather said that soon after he left home, they tried to call him several times. “But, his phone was switched off.” “We called our relatives and his friends but could not find him anywhere,” he said, appealing his son to come back.

Nadeem’s cousin brother, Shahid Nazir told KNO that on Friday afternoon, Nadeem offered Friday prayers at home due to Coronavirus Pandemic. “However, after Nimaz, he left home and visited Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKAUST) to return books and didn’t return home.”

Negating the theories that Nadeem might have joined militant ranks, Shahid said, “I don’t think that it could be the case as I have never seen such kind of inclinations in him. He does not even talk about any such things either,” Shahid added.

The missing youth has left his family shattered who are pleading their son and militants for immediate return.

“We appeal our son to return home. For the sake of your handicapped father, please don’t leave us like this and return home as soon as possible. We cannot live without you,” said Tawheeda Banoo, mother of Nadeem, amid tears and sobs.

“If he is with any militant outfit, we request them that please send our son back to his home. He is very innocent. We don’t have any support except him,”

KNO