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Indian Soldier Goes Missing From Kashmir

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Feb 2: An Indian army soldier, who was posted in militancy-infested Kashmir has gone missing after he left his work place to visit his home.

The soldier belonging to Indian state of Kerala identified as John George, 39, was posted in army's engineering wing at a camp in Rajouri in violence hit Kashmir. Rajouri is having mountainous terrain and these terrains become natural hideouts for militants, who are very active in this belt.

The soldier availed a leave to visit his home and left his workplace on January 12 this year. He was scheduled to reach his home within three days after traveling in a train. But he has not reached his home and his whereabouts are not known.

Police sources said that the soldier has not contacted his family members and neither has he contacted any of his colleagues.

Sources said that Indian army and police have separately launched search operations to track him down. "The investigations are going on," they added.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.