SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Bullet-riddled body of a former special police officer (SPO) was found in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said on Saturday.

The former SPO Basharat Ahmad Wagay was abducted by militants Friday evening from Rebban-Zainpora of Shopian district, about 70 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Last night police found body of Basharat Ahmad Wagay. He was abducted by militants before being shot dead," a police official told Xinhua.

According to police, three civilians - including Basharat - were abducted by militants from Rebban on Friday. Two were released but Basharat was killed.

There has been an increase in abductions of youths for their possible links with police agencies in Shopian since the beginning of this month.

Last week two youth were killed for reportedly working as police informers.

Militants in the region usually target families and individuals for their possible links with police and defense agencies.

On Friday six militants were killed in the region in a gunfight with the government forces.

A guerrilla war is going on between militants and Indian troopers stationed in the region since 1989.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.