Irfan A Mir

Srinagar, July 02 (KNS): Amid security forces claiming decline in local militant recruitment, a 22-year old ace footballer from north Kashmir’s Sopore town of Baramulla district has gone missing.
Reports reaching to Kashmir News Service (KNS) said that a 22-year old Amir Sartaj is missing from June 24 from his maternal uncle’s home in Adipora hamlet of Sopore town when he left his home to play football.
Family of the missing youth said that soon after his son didn’t return to home, they tried to reach every corner but of no avail. The shattered family members have urged their missing son to return home and also appealed police administration to help them in bringing back of his son.
The youth as per family members has also kept his mobile phone at home which heightened the concern of family. They said on June 24 around 05:00 in the evening, Amir left home to play football, however he didn’t return home since then.
They said they searched for him in the neighborhood, but all in vain. “Next day, we called our relatives and friends, but nobody had any clue of his whereabouts,” family said.
The missing youth has left the family traumatized, who are requesting their son to come back at an earliest.
“For the sake of God, please don’t leave us like this and return home as soon as possible, we cannot live without you,” appealed family.
They further said, “If he is with any militant outfit, we request them to please send him back to his home. We don’t have any support except him”.
Meanwhile, family of missing youth has also lodged a missing report in Police Station Sopore.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sopore, Javaid Iqbal told media that they are investigating the matter. “We cannot reach to any conclusion whether he has joined militancy or not,” he said.
He added, “The investigation has been taken up and soon we will crack the matter”.
On July 1, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone Vijay Kumar said that 90 percent of militants killed in Valley this year were local youths. He said during the first six months of 2020, 67 local youth have joined militants ranks which shows a decline as compare to previous years.
“129 youth joined militancy in the first six months last year. This year, data shows there is a decline of 48 per cent. It is a good thing for forces and society. Of the 67, around 24 have been neutralized in different encounters and 12 have been arrested, and the rest of them are still alive and active”, IGP said.(KNS)