Srinagar: In a shocking development, stone-pelters on Wednesday targetted funeral procession of an Army officer from Kashmir, who was abducted and shot dead by militants in Shopian district.
According to reports, firing could also be heard in the procession.
Lieutenant Umer Fayaz was later laid to rest.
He was abducted by five to six militants from his relative's house from Kulgam town late on Tuesday evening. His bullet-riddled body was found in Harmain area of Shopian this morning, a police official said.
The officer had gone to attend the wedding ceremony of a relative.
Hailing from Kulgam district, Fayaz was in the Infantry and was posted in Akhnoor area in Jammu. He was commissioned in the Army in December last year.
Fayaz had passed out from National Defence Academy and was to go for the Young Officers' Course in September this year. He was also a hockey and volleyball player.
He was commissioned in the Army in December 2016.
"In a dastardly act some unidentified terrorists on Tuesday abducted and then killed a young, unarmed Army officer, Lt Umer Fayaz," Defence Ministry spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said.
"The Army salutes the braveheart and stands by the bereaved family in this hour of tragedy," the official said, adding, "we are committed to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act of terror to justice".
Colonel of the Rajputana Rifles, and General Officer Commanding in Chief of the South Western Command Lt Gen Abhay Krishna said the perpetrators will not be spared.
In his condolence message, Krishna said the Army fraternity stood by the family and added: "I also assure the family that perpetrators of this heinous crime and dastardly act will not be spared."
"This marks a watershed moment in Kashmir valley, and people of Kashmir will decisively turn the tide against terrorism," he said.
An advisory was earlier issued by the state police asking its personnel not to visit ancestral homes, especially in south Kashmir areas till it was withdrawn.
There has been a spike in militant activities in most districts of south Kashmir including, Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag, and Kulgam.
(With Agency inputs)
