Army assures family of Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz to punish perpetrators of crime

The Army on Wednesday assured the family of martyred young Kashmiri Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz that the perpetrators will be punished as the Defence Minister called it a dastardly act of cowardice by the militants.

The Indian army officer, who received multiple bullet injuries on his body, has been identified as Umar Fayaz, who belonged to Kulgam. Reports said that Fayaz was abducted by terrorists on Tuesday following which he was shot dead and his body was disposed.

“I assure the family that the perpetrators of this heinous crime and dastardly act will not be spared,” Lt Gen Abhay Krishna, General Officer Commanding-in Chief of South Western Command and Colonel of Rajputana Riffles, said.

Fayaz, hailing from Kulgam in South Kashmir, was with Rajputana Rifles and had taken leave to attend the wedding. He was commissioned into the Army on December 10 last year and according to his colleagues, he was popular for his simplicity and honesty.

Expressing anguish over the killing of the young officer Jaitley said Fayaz’s sacrifice reiterates the nation’s commitment to eliminate terrorism from the Valley and that he would continue to inspire youth from Kashmir.

“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.

Also read: Kashmir: Army officer Umar Fayaz, abducted and killed by militants in Shopian, was commissioned only 5 months ago