Anantnag: Missing youth found

An 18-year-old youth, who went missing since last Sunday, was found by villagers in an unconscious state in village Jaybal in south Kashmir Anantnag district late Saturday evening.

Basharat Ahmad, went missing after he was picked up by the Army from his Larkipora village on Sunday. However, the Army had maintained that Basharat was released hours after he was taken for questioning.

The mysterious disappearance of the youth triggered massive protests and a general strike was observed in south Kashmir Anantnag district today.

"The boy was found in an unconscious condition late this evening, and was immediately shifted to Anantnag district hospital. Doctors are trying to revive him in the hospital," said a senior police officer.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had been assuring that the whereabouts of the boy would be found at all costs.

The recovery of the youth has come as a big relief to the state administration, which is already faced with a crisis situation in the neighbouring Shopian district, where the rape and murder of two women has triggered an indefinite strike in the district.