Kashmir has lost a son: Army officer

New Delhi, May 10 (IANS) Calling 22-year-old Kashmiri Army officer Lt. Ummer Fayaz's killing a "cowardly act", Rajputana Rifles Colonel, Lt. Gen. Abhay Krishna, on Wednesday said Kashmir has lost a son, and that people should come together to punish the perpetrators.

"Kashmir has lost its son and we have lost a very promising officer. I am sure the people of Kashmir will realise this. They will join hands and hit back at the perpetrators," said Lt. Gen. Krishna, also the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Command.

He also called Lt. Ummer's killing a watershed moment for Jammu and Kashmir, adding that the state's people will turn the tide against terrorism.

"It is a tragic loss at the hands of the coward and barbaric perpetrators -- the jihadi terrorists. He was an outstanding officer, an excellent sportsman," Lt. Gen. Krishna said.

In a written statement earlier, the senior Army officer said the perpetrators of this heinous crime and dastardly act will not be spared.

He said the Army fraternity stood by the bereaved family.

Lt. Ummer was serving in Akhnoor region of Jammu and Kashmir and was on leave in his native place in Kulgam.

He was abducted by militants on Tuesday when he had gone to attend a family wedding and was found dead in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Wednesday, officials said.

The slain officer's bullet-riddled body was found in south Kashmir's Shopian.