A 23-year-old Territorial Army trooper suspected to have been kidnapped by militants was found dead with bullet marks in Shopian district Saturday, reports quoting police and army officials said.

The body of Irfan Ahmad Dar, a resident of Sezan Keegam, was recovered from an orchard area in Watmullah Keegam area of Shopian.

Dar was posted in Gurez area  of Bandipora district. He had come home on leave.

“He was perhaps kidnapped by militants. His bullet-riddled body was recovered today morning,”  SSP Shopian Ambarkar Shriram was quoted as saying by a local news agency.

“He was on leave till November 26,” Army spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said, adding Dar was “possibly abducted and killed” by militants. The matter is being investigated by the police.”

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned Dar’s killing.

“Strongly condemn the brutal killing of Irfan Ahmed ,a brave Territorial Army soldier at Shopian. Such heinous acts will not weaken our resolve to establish peace and normalcy in the Valley,” Mehbooba said on Twitter.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the Territorial Army trooper’s killing.

“The murder of young Irfan Dar is a very tragic & reprehensible act. My unqualified condemnation & heartfelt condolences to his family,” he tweeted.