Killing of young Kashmiri officer an act of cowardice: Arun Jaitley

(Image: File/PTI)

New Delhi: Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday condemned the killing of Indian Army Lieutenant by terrorists in Shopian district and termed it as a "dastardly act of cowardice" and said "his sacrifice" reiterates the nation's commitment to eliminate terrorism. Jaitley took to his Twitter account to express his angst and said "Abduction and murder of Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz by terrorists in Shopian is a dastardly act of cowardice. This young officer from Jammu and Kashmir was a role model". "Lt Ummer Fayaz of 2RAJRIF (Rajputana Rifles) was an exceptional sportsman, his sacrifice reiterates the nation's commitment to eliminate terrorism from the Valley," he said.

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

— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 10, 2017

"We share the grief of the family of Lt Ummer Fayaz and stand in solidarity. Lt Ummer Fayaz will continue to inspire youth from the Valley," the Minister added. Fayaz was abducted by the terrorists on Tuesday and thereafter shot dead and his body was disposed. He had gone to attend the wedding ceremony of a relative in Shopian.  

#COAS & All Ranks salute supreme sacrifice of Lt Ummer Fayaz at Shopian, J&K & offers condolences to the family members. pic.twitter.com/mVE1TnEND3 — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 10, 2017

His bullet-ridden body was found on Wednesday in Shopian District.

We share the grief of family of Lt. Ummer Fayaz & stand in solidarity. Lt. Ummer Fayaz will continue to inspire youth from the Valley. — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 10, 2017

The terrorists didn’t stop there and unidentified men sprayed bullets during the funeral of martyr Army Lieutenant Umer Fayaz in Kulgam at around noon on Wednesday.  The firing caused panic and fright among mourners of the soldier whose bullet ridden body was found in Shopian district of South Kashmir this morning.