Family of a PhD Scholar whose picture went viral on social media holding an AK-47 has appealed him to shun violence and return home.

Manan Bashir Wani of Tekkipora Lolab of district Kupwara joined Hizbul Mujahideen on January 5. The family members are in shock as they were not expecting their son who was pursuing PhD in Aligarh Muslim University, to join militancy.

“Manan always used to discuss every next step with me. He was like a friend to me. I had never expected that he would make any decision without discussing with me”, said his father Bashir Ahmad.

His mother appealed him to come back home. “I urge him to shun the path of violence and come back home.Watch Family urges PhD scholar to shun militancy, return home With HD Quality.