J&K: Terrorists abduct eleven relatives of policemen, says Omar

Srinagar: Authorities sounded high alert across south Kashmir areas on Thursday after terrorists abducted eleven people connected directly or indirectly with the local police force.

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has termed the development 'worrisome'.

Even when the security forces were working their strategy to recover the hostages safely, 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.

The abducted relatives of policemen include two brothers of police officers and nine sons.

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."

According to the reports, terrorists on Thursday evening abducted Zubair Ahmad, son of a policeman from Arwani area of Kulgam district; Arif Ahmed, brother of a middle-rung police officer from Arwani; Faizan Ahmad, son of a policeman from Kharpora, Kulgam; Sumar Ahmad Rather, son of a policeman from Yaripora, Kulgam; and Gowhar Ahmad, brother of a Deputy Superintendent of Police from Katapora, Kulgam.

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Earlier on Thursday, terrorists abducted Nasir Ahmad, son of a policeman from Midoora Tral.

Terrorists had on Wednesday abducted Asif Ahmad, son of a local policeman Rafiq Ahmad Rather, from Pinglish village of Tral in Pulwama district.

Following this alarming development, authorities have sounded a high alert across south Kashmir.

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The authorities also decided to launch a massive operation in south Kashmir areas to check the alarming trend of terrorists going after relatives of police personnel.

Reports here said 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.