Srinagar, August 31: There has been a spree of kidnappings in Jammu and Kashmir over the past 24 hours. According to reports, terrorists struck on Thursday night in several parts of South Kashmir and abducted families of policemen in Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag and Awantipora. "Some incidents of abduction have come to the notice of Police in South Kashmir. We are ascertaining details and circumstances. In due course, it shall be placed in public domain," the Jammu and Kashmir Police said today.

This comes a day after the NIA arrested the second son of globally wanted terrorist Syed Salahuddin. While there are unconfirmed reports, it is being said that family members of at least nine policemen have been kidnapped by terrorists over the past 24 hours.

Those who have been kidnapped have been identified as - Zubair Ahmad Bhat (son of policeman Mohd Maqbool Bhat a resident of Arawani), Faizan Ahmad Makro (son of policeman Bashir Ahmad Makro a resident of Kharpora Kulgam), Arif Ahmad Sankar (brother of station house officer Nazir Ahmad Sankar a resident of Arwani Bijbehara), Sumar Ahmad Rather (son of policeman Ab.Salam Rather a resident of Yamrach Yaripora Kulgam), Yasir Ahmad Bhat (son of police officer ASI Bashir Ahmad Bhat abducted from Watho Shopian presently posted at CID Office Humhama Badgam, Gowher Ahmad Malik (brother of top police officer DSP Aijaz a resident of Katapora Kulgam), Nasir Ahmed from Mindora, Shabir Ahmad Zargar of Kangan Tral and Asif Ahmed Rather from Pinglish Tral (son of a policeman Rafiq Ahmad Rather).

Security forces had gone on a rampage on Wednesday after killing of four policemen in Shopian in South Kashmir and damaged some houses belonging to militants.

In a related development, kin of a policeman, who was abducted from Ganderbal district in central Kashmir, was released after being mercilessly beaten up by militants.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2018 11:26 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).