INDIA. Mumbai: The highly decomposed body of the Indian Army’s Rifleman Shakir Manzoor Wagay (26) who was abducted by terrorists, was found at village Mohandpura and it was identified by his father Manzoor Ahmed Wagay (56) on Wednesday.
General Officer Commanding of Indian Army’s 15 Corps Lt General DP Pandey on Thursday led all ranks in laying wreaths at Chinar Corps War Memorial, over the mortal remains of braveheart Rifleman Shakir, whose decomposed body was found in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, a year after his abduction, a Defence spokesman said in a statement.
Rifleman Shakir was attached to 162 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) at Chinar Corps. He was detailed for a bonafide military duty at Balapur, Shopian on August 02, 2020, when he went missing. Security forces had launched an extensive search to locate him. After a comprehensive search, his burnt vehicle was found at Rambhama, Kulgam. However, despite the persistent efforts of the security forces, he could not be traced.
His father Manzoor, anticipated that his son was abducted by terrorists. At that time some anti-national social media accounts had alleged that Shakir was killed and his body was deliberately buried at an unidentified location.
On September 22, an unidentified decomposed body was found at village Mohandpura, Kulgam. Shakir’s father identified the body as that of his son. As per the post mortem report, Shakir’s death was attributed to grievous injuries. The injury marks on him indicated that he was tortured and murdered in the most brutal and inhumane manner by the terrorists.
Shakir who belonged to Village Rishipura, Herman, Shopian district, had joined the Army on June 02, 2016. He is survived by his parents. His mortal remains will be taken for last rites to his native place, where he would be laid to rest with full military honours on Friday.
In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved family and remains committed to their dignity and wellbeing. The Indian Army condemns this act of heinous crime. The sacrifice of the brave heart in service of his country will not go in vain. All means will be utilized to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. Indian Army salutes the bravery of the departed son and soldier of India, the GOC, 15 corps said.
According to official records, Shakir was listed as missing since last year – not dead. His family was questioned whether he had joined a terrorist group. His father believes that his son was tortured by his kidnappers because they wanted him to make such a statement, something which he refused.
Five days after Wagay’s disappearance, his family had found his blood-stained clothes in a nearby orchard. Months later, after Shakir went missing the police had said that the terrorist who claimed to have killed Shakir, died in an encounter, and they did not know where the soldier’s body was dumped.
