The family members of a Phd scholar, missing since June 14 during trekking in central Kashmir district of Ganderbal, again held protest in Srinagar on Friday challenging the police claim that the youth identified as Hilal Ahmad Dar has joined Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militant outfit.
Dar was the first among three youths who went missing in the Kashmir valley since June 14.
Holding placards in the hands the family members, mostly women, of Hilal on Friday said he has not joined militancy as claimed by police.
They appealed to administration and common people to help in tracing him.
Hilal alongwith four other youths had gone for trekking to Gangabal lake in Ganderbal on June 14. However, he had informed other youths that he wanted to return to base after he could not climb the hilly trek.
Later, all the four youths returned to their homes but Hilal went missing. Despite massive search operation, also joined by Army, trained trekkers, police and locals he could not be found.
Later the family members sought the help of Lt Governor, Director General of Police and other senior officers to trace him
Police after investigation claimed that he has joined HM which was contested by the family members. They again protested today demanding his whereabouts.
He was among first of three youths missing in the valley since June 14.
Later another youth identified as Noor-ul-Hassan, resident of Prang Kangan in Ganderbal district went missing since June 22.
Third youth identified as Amir Siraj has gone missing from his maternal uncle’s home at Adipora in Sopore since June 24 evening when he had gone to play football.
Despite searches the family members could not trace Amir, who had left his mobile phone at home.
The family members have now appealed to him to return home as everyone is shattered and pleading to return home.
They have also sought the help of administration and police to help them to trace Amir, a footballer.