SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Unidentified gunmen abducted seven people whose family members are working with police in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, reports said Friday.

The abductions took place in districts of Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam and Anantnag on Thursday night.

"We have heard about the abductions of brothers and sons of policemen at different places and are trying to ascertain the details," said a police official, who is not authorized to talk to media. "We suspect hand of militants in this."

However, police is yet to issue an official statement over the matter.

Residents on Thursday staged protests against the alleged arrest of family members of militants and burning of two houses belonging to militants in Shopian.

The distraught family of a policeman from Tral has appealed to the kidnappers to release their son. A video on social media shows a mother pleading for her son's release.

So far no militant outfit has claimed responsibility of the abductions.

A guerilla war is going on between militants and Indian troopers stationed in the region since 1989. Of late Indian policemen have also been trained to fight the militants.