The Hizbul Mujahideen on Saturday claimed that Territorial Army soldier Zahoor Ahmed Bhat, who had fled from his army base along with his service rifle on July 6, has joined the terror outfit.
In an emailed statement, Hizbul Mujhadeen's Syed Salahuddin said that other policemen and officers will follow suit.
"Earlier as well so many policemen and officer have joined militant ranks and sacrificed their precious life... Zahoor Ahmed, hopefully, will prove an asset," the statement said.
Zahoor, a resident of Pulwama district in South Kashmir, was reported absconding since July 5 night by the army unit located in Gantmulla area of Baramulla.
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