Suhail Khan
SRINAGAR, June 14: There seems no end of local youth joining militancy as over 124 Kashmiris have joined militant groups during the last 18 months.
Official figures accessed by news agency KINS reveal that 124 youth have joined militant outfits since 2019 in Kashmir.
The figures reveal that there has been a decline in local recruitment in militant groups in the valley in the current year then 2019.
While 85 youth joined militant groups last year, the number has been 39 till May this year.
“Although there is decline in recruitment but still a good number have joined the militancy this year so far. Five to six youth are joining militant groups each year in the valley,” a police official told KINS.
The police official give varied reason for decline in local recruitment in militant groups “Authorities are not allowing large gatherings at funerals of militants, which were also inspiring other youth to join militancy. Now only close relatives are allowed to attend the last rites of any militant,” the official said.
There are designated burial points in Seeri in Baramulla district or Sonamarg in Ganderbal district for the militants killed during an encounter in the valley.
Only close family members are allowed to attend the funeral.
Most of the militants, the official said have been killed in south Kashmir.
The official said there has also been a decrease in stone pelting during encounters between forces and militants. “Security agencies have also changed their strategy while starting any search operation. People are not being allowed to come near the encounter site,” the official said.
On Saturday morning, two militants were killed by security forces in Nipora, Kulgam. One of them was a three-day-old recruit of a militant group.(KINS)
