Kin of missing youth hold protest in Srinagar

A group of people, hailing from Sumbal area of Bandipora district in north Kashmir, today staged a demonstration here seeking a probe into the case of a youth who went missing during a visit here last week.

Riyaz Ahmad Beig, a resident of Sumbal, allegedly went missing on Friday, following which his family lodged a report in the local police station.

Dozens of relatives and neighbours of 30-year-old Beig reached Press Enclave in the heart of the city in three buses and staged a sit-in to press for a speedy investigation to locate the youth.

"We are very concerned about his safety. Three days have passed since he went missing while on a business trip to Srinagar," his cousin Shabir Ahmad told reporters.
 

He said they lodged a missing report in Sumbal police station on Friday itself but the police has failed to trace him.

"Riyaz is running a shop and working as a main distributor for a cellular company in Sumbal. He is also General Secretary of a local trade union," he said.

The protesters, including several women, later dispersed peacefully. Some of the relatives also broke down during the demonstration.

Meanwhile, Sumbal observed a complete shutdown against the disappearance of the youth and witnessed a sit-in protest outside the local police station as well.

All shops and business establishments remained closed in the area, 24 kms from here, in response to the strike call given by a local trade union, officials said.

A police officer said they have registered a case and investigation is on to locate him.