Srinagar, Nov 25 (IANS): Militants have killed an off-duty soldier whose body was found on Saturday in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, an official said.

"Sepoy Irfan Ahmad Dar, 23, a resident of Senzen village in Shopian district, was a serving soldier. He was posted in a Territorial Army unit in Bandipora district," said Defence Ministry spokesman, Col. Rajesh Kalia

"He was on leave till November 26. While on leave, he was possibly abducted and killed by terrorists. The matter is being investigated by the police."

Dar's body, bearing bullet marks, was recovered by the police in Keegam village of Shopian district on Saturday morning.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti and her predecessor Omar Abdullah condemned the killing.

Mehbooba Mufti tweeted: "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 an d normalcy in the valley."

Abdullah, in a statement posted on his widely followed Twitter handle, said: "The murder of young Irfan Dar is a very tragic & reprehensible act. My unqualified condemnation & heartfelt condolences to his family."