The Indian Army is amused by the reports of a soldier, Idrees Mir, joining the terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.
While carrying out an internal investigation into the circumstances that led to a soldier joining the militant outfit, the Army officials maintained that Mir was one of the most "disciplined soldiers" of his regiment, and part of the Ghatak platoon—a unit of highly trained commandos who carry out special operations.
Mir, a resident of Shopian district of south Kashmir, joined the Army's Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) three years ago. He was posted in Danapur, Bihar.
According to official sources, Mir's disappearance, and subsequent reports of him joining the terror outfit came to them as 'shock'.
Sources also claimed that Mir was proficient in firing and battlecraft, and was a hardened soldier.
"He was highly trained and motivated commando with proficient in firing and battlecraft. He was part of the unit to launch special operations," source added.
Mir, in March, had gone on leave, but reported back a day late, citing some family commitment, according to sources. In April, he applied for leave again. He never reported back to his unit.
Two days ago, Mir's picture was circulated in social media with a weapon in hand, and with the news that he joined the terror outfit. It is believed that two other locals from his village too joined the militant outfit.
In November last year, another Army jawan from Sophian district had gone missing.
There has been a sharp increase in young Kashmiris joining militant groups in the recent past. In 2017, 126 young boys from Kashmir valley joined militant ranks. The numbers took sharp spike after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Hizbul Burwan Wani by the security forces. In last three years, 280 youths from Kashmir have joined terror groups.