Territorial Army soldier 'flees' with AK-47 in J&K's Baramulla; hunt launched

Srinagar: In a shocking incident, an Indian Army soldier went missing on Thursday from north Kashmir's Baramulla district, police said. Zahoor Ahmad Thakur, with the 173 Territorial Army, was reported missing from his camp in Gantmulla area along with an AK-47 rifle. As per sources, the soldier is suspected to have joined terror group Hizbul Mujahideen. Though the reason for escape is yet to be asserted, a probe has been launched to find the same and the whereabouts of the soldier. Zahoor Ahmad Thoker, a resident of Pulwama district in South Kashmir, was reported absconding since last night by the Army unit located in Gantmulla area of Baramulla, the officials said. They said Thoker's service rifle and three magazines were also missing. Considering the unrest situation in the valley, fleeing of the soldier suddenly with an AK-47 raises several questions. More details are awaited.