Suspected militants killed an army soldier who was at home on leave in north Kashmir’s Sopore on Saturday, once again laying bare the dangers Valley soldiers face while vacationing.
Mohammad Rafi Yattoo was gunned down in front of his family members by two militants who fired indiscriminately, a police spokesperson said.
“Identified as Mohammad Rafi Yattoo, a resident of Warpora, Sopore, it is reported that he was with the army and was at home on leave,” the spokesperson said.
“The police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances that led to the terror crime,” he added.
Official sources said Yattoo had been working with the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry.
Another police officer said Yatoo had been rushed to hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries.
On March 8, an army soldier had foiled a kidnap bid by militants at Qazipora village in Budgam. Rifleman Mohammad Yaseen Bhat had gone missing during a militant attack, but returned hours later when the insurgents had left.
Several soldiers and policemen have been killed by militants in the past while they were on leave.