The son of the newly elected chairman of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, which is a main constituent of Ali Shah Geelani-led Hurriyat Conference, has reportedly joined the militant group, Hizbul Mujahideen.
Junaid Ashraf Khan (30) a management graduate, had gone missing after leaving for Friday prayers yesterday.
His family had lodged a missing person's report with the police station Saddar in Srinagar this morning.
A local newspaper, quoting sources, said that Khan had told his family that he needs to get his mobile phone repaired.
Inspector General of Police Kashmir S.P. Pani told THE WEEK that Khan's family members this morning approached police with a complaint that Khan had gone missing since yesterday.
''We are investigating the matter,'' Pani said. “His photo has appeared in the social media but police will thoroughly investigate the matter before saying anything.''
What has led credence to the reports about Khan having joined militancy is his photo with a Kalashnikov that has appeared on social media and WhatsApp.
In the photo, Khan is seen holding an AK-47 and wearing a black prayer cap and black jacket. On the photo, all the details about Khan are written including his code, Amir Bhai. His date of joining is written as for March 24, 2018.
This is for the first time that leading a separatist's son has joined militancy. The separatists have been facing criticism from people for propagating the idea of Azadi to the people while their families living a comfortable life.
Khan's reported missing comes close on the heels of his father replacing Geelani as chairman of TeH.
After taking over from Geelani, Sehrai in an interview had criticised those rooting for ISIS in Kashmir and said those supporting ISIS where strengthening occupation in Kashmir.
Originally from Kupwar, Sehari is presently living in Baghat area of Srinagar.