ALTAF Ahmad and his brother Bashir Ahmad Cheechi were walking home after a hard day of labour. And when an Army vehicle stopped and asked Altaf to board the vehicle, his brother Bashir got jealous, he thought the Army has given him a lift and that he would return home before him. Bashir returned his home though late. However, his brother didn't turn up.

The story dates back to 2002, when the Mufti government has taken over. In the evening of November 16, Altaf, his brother Bashir and two neighbours of his village -- Showkat Ahmad Katara and Sahamsudin were walking back home. They were tired after a hard day's labour in Baramulla town. Altaf and Showkat were eager to reach home and were waling with long paces while Bashir and Shams followed them. And suddenly three Army vehicles passed by Bashir and Shams.

¿We were walking behind them. Suddenly, the Army vehicle halted and Altaf and Showkat boarded it,¿ says Bashir. ¿We thought they are lucky that the Army has given them a lift. But when we reached home, I didn't find Altaf there.¿

Soon, the family members left to search for Altaf. Althogh they scanned the entire village, but they failed to trace the 25-year-old Altaf. Later, they moved towards the neighbouring village Chiladori to look for Altaf. From here they called the police Sstation Baramulla.

¿The police told us that there is nothing to worry. They told us that the Army must have taken them for forced labour and that they would return home tomorrow,¿ says Bashir. But Altaf didn't return.

... contd.