Srinagar
Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday termed the abduction and killing of an Army officer as “a dastardly act of cowardice”. In a series of tweets, Jaitley posted on Twitter: “Abduction & murder of Lt. Ummer Fayaz by terrorists in Shopian is a dastardly act of cowardice. This young officer from J&K was a role model.”
The officer, identified as Lieutenant Umer Fayaz, was abducted by suspected militants from his relative’s house in Shopian district. Police later found his bullet-riddled body in Harmain area of Shopian on Wednesday morning.
Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to eliminate “terrorism” from the Valley, Jaitley said Fayaz’s sacrifice will continue to inspire the youth. “Lt. Ummer Fayaz of 2RAJRIF was an exceptional sportsman, his sacrifice reiterates nation’s commitment to eliminate terrorism from the Valley. We share the grief of family of Lt. Umer Fayaz & stand in solidarity. Lt. Umer Fayaz will continue to inspire youth from the Valley,” Jaitley tweeted.
Fayaz, who hails from Kulgam district, was posted in Jammu’s Akhnoor area. He was inducted into the Army’s infantry division only last December.
“In a dastardly act, some unidentified terrorists yesterday abducted and then killed a young Army officer, Lt Umer Fayaz,” an army official told news agency PTI.
Fayaz was on leave to attend a wedding in the family. His body will be brought to Sursun for burial.
