The Hizbul commander on the other hand was rejoiced, saying this move will quash India's claim that unemployment and economic distress in Kashmir makes the youth turn to terrorism
Hizbul Mujahedeen supreme commander and US-designated global terrorist Syed Salahuddin hailing missing Aligarh Muslim University PhD scholar's decision to join his outfit in Kashmir has dampened many spirits.
While 26-year-old Mannan Bashir Wani's family has appealed him to return home, the terror outfit rejoiced the move.
Wani's alleged connections with Hizbul surfaced after his picture brandishing an AK 47 rifle fitted with an Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) went viral on social media on Sunday evening. Wani alias Hamza Bhai was seen raising his index finger symbolising oneness of God (Allah), a regular pose for terrorists.
The Hizbul commander on the other hand was rejoiced, saying this move will quash India's claim that unemployment and economic distress in Kashmir makes the youth turn to terrorism.
"For years, educated and qualified youth of Kashmir have been joining Hizbul Mujahideen to take the ongoing freedom movement to a logical conclusion. This spirit is laudable," Salahuddin said in a statement to local news agencies.
His family, residents of Lolaab, have been distraught since news of the alleged links made headlines.
"He left for Aligarh on December 4, after attending his brother's wedding. We did not know anything about him joining terrorism. He switched off his phone three days ago and we informed the police about the same. Only yesterday, around 4pm, his picture (brandishing a gun) surfaced," said Shameema, Wani's mother.
Wailing, Shameema appealed her son to return home. "I appeal him through you, please comeback. I will not send him for further studies. I do not need his degree or his job. For God's sake, please come back," she cried.
Coming from an affluent family, Wani was pursuing PhD in Applied Geology from Aligarh Muslim University.
Police sources said the father of the PhD scholar on Sunday lodged a report in the police station claiming his son has gone missing from the university. Sources said he has joined Hizbul ranks somewhere in south Kashmir.
Police are investigating how he was radicalised.
This is not the first time that any highly educated man has joined terrorism. In February last year, security forces killed 27-year-old Azhar-ud-din Khan, who had a PhD in Arabic.
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