Srinagar, November 18: Another youth has been kidnapped by Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir's Shopian district on Sunday. The abduction came hours after two youngsters - aged 17 and 19 - were killed by the Hizbul men suspecting them to be Army "informers". The identity of the youth kidnapped today was yet to be released.

Since Thursday, the militants have abducted five Kashmiri youths -- out of them two have been released. Those freed, identified as Shahid Ganaie and Farooq Thokar, said the Hizbul commanders interrogated them on whether they had provided information about their hideouts to the Indian Army, CRPF or J&K police. Terrorists Slit Throat of Youth in Shopian, Second Killing in 36 Hours.

The terrorists had posted an image on social media on Saturday, showing the bullet-ridden body of a 17-year-old. The body was recovered in Hermain village, and the deceased has been identified as Huzaif Ashraf alias Raja Kandur.

Police has initiated efforts to secure the release of two youths in the custody of Hizbul militants.

Political leaders in the Valley have condemned the abductions, calling them inhumane. "The cold blooded murder of an 11th standard student by the Hizbul Mujahideen terror outfit is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for this act and should force those who sympathise with these outfits to question how these murders make Kashmir a better, freer place," said former chief minister Omar Abdullah.

Earlier in the day, a joint team of Army, CRPF and J&K police busted a hideout of militants in Shopian's Rebban area of Zainapora region. Two militants were killed in the gunfight, with no collateral damage being reported. The deceased insurgents have been identified as Nawaz Ahmad Wagay and Yawar Wani -- both indigenous militants affiliated to militant outfit Al-Badr.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 18, 2018 12:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).