Umer Fayaz’s killing is dastardly act : Arun Jaitley

The dastardly abduction and murder of a Kashmiri army officer by terrorists in Shopian is a dastardly act of cowardice, Union Finance and Defence minister Arun Jaitley said on Wednesday.

According to a PTI report, Expressing his deep anguish over the killing of 23-year-old Lt. Ummer Fayaz, whose bullet-riddled body was found in Harmen area of Shopian this morning, Jaitley conveyed his condolences to the family and said he would continue to inspire youth from the Valley.

“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,” Jaitley said in a tweet.

Fayaz, who had been commissioned in the army only five months ago in December 2016, had gone to attend his cousin’s wedding in Batapura when he was reportedly abducted by terrorists around 10pm on Tuesday, officials said.

Jaitley said Fayaz’s sacrifice reiterates the nation’s commitment to eliminate terrorism from the Valley.

“Lt Ummer Fayaz of 2RAJRIF was an exceptional sportsman, his sacrifice reiterates nation’s commitment to eliminate terrorism from the Valley,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned the killing of Lieutenant Umer Fayaz. “What was more painful to note is that the young officer had come home on vacation where he was attending the marriage of his cousin,” Mufti said in a statement. The chief minister conveyed her heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family of Lt Fayaz and prayed for his eternal solace.