Srinagar: Army on Wednesday distanced itself from the slain Pulwama youth, killed by unknown gunmen and said that he was declared ‘deserter’ September last year.
“Showkat Ahmed Naik was declared deserter from Army from 17 Sep. He never took oath as a soldier,” Army said.
According to them he was enrolled on 15 Jan 2018.
“Went to JAK LI Regimental Center on 21 Mar 2018. Individual went on three days leave on 14 Sep 18 and he never returned,” they said.
Naik was killed by unidentified gunmen outside his house in Pingilina village of Pulwama district. He was 25.
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