Kupwara: Shariq Ahmad and Zahoor believe they've been reborn. They survived a lethal racket near the Line of Control.
Their tormentor, a Special Police Officer lured them, promising a job in Military Intelligence on May 11. Instead, Imran Joo took them to a jungle and made them dress like militants.
This was allegedly a prelude to staging an encounter.
"We were first taken to the jungle and our clothes were changed. Then we were shifted to a camp. We were made to wear Khan dress and spiked shoes," said Zahoor Ahmad.
But their families raised an alarm and a senior Army officer saved their lives.
"The Commander helped us a lot. He gave me my son back, otherwise Imran of Keran has killed many people in the area," said Shariq's father, Ghulam Ahmad Mir.
Imran Joo has been arrested by the police on the charges of kidnapping with intention to murder.
Before this case, there was the Machil fake encounter at April end. A Major has been named for the murder of three villagers, which he had claimed to be an encounter. Three others, who allegedly lured the victims have been arrested.
The case has shaken the state. Now, police sources say they are investigating if there is link between the two.
Shaken by the incident, both Shariq and Zahoor have trimmed their long beard so that they are not trapped again.
"He lured me for a job in intelligence, a salary of Rs 15000 per month. He said I just need to go for an interview and then I would get salary at my home. My greed for money landed me in the trap,'' recalls Shariq.