Fewer Kashmiri Youth Join Militancy This Year, But 39 Still Take Up Arms In Last Five Months

The number of young people joining militant outfits shows a reduction this year and unlike last year only 39 joined militants outfits.

Srinagar: There seems to be no end to local Kashmiri youth joining militancy as over 124 young Kashmiris have joined militant groups in the last 18 months.

According to official figures since January last year, 124 Kashmiri youth joined militant outfits. The figures also reveal that in 2020, there has been a decline in local recruitments to militant groups in the valley and only 39 youth picked up arms.

This is unlike last year when 85 young people joined militant groups.

“Although there has been a decline in recruitment, still a good number have joined militancy this year. Five to six youth join militant groups each year in the valley, “said a police official.

The police official also gave varied reasons for the decline in local recruitment in militant groups, one of which is the restrictions on large gatherings at funerals of militants.

“Authorities are not allowing large gatherings at funerals of militants, which used to inspire other youth to join militancy. Now only close relatives can attend the last rites of any militant,” the official said.

There are designated burial points in Seeri in Baramulla and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district for militants who have been killed during an encounter in the valley. Most of the militants, the official said have been killed in south Kashmir. There has also been a decrease in incidences of stone-pelting during encounters between security 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,” said the official.

On Saturday, two militants were killed in the morning by security forces in Nipora, Kulgam district. While one of them was just a three-day-old recruit, the other was 15 days old in the militant organisation.

"We have a policy of zero tolerance for violence, '' said a senior army commander.

He added, “anyone who picks up the gun is an enemy. It does not matter if he is a one-day-old militant or someone who has been there for years.”

Security operations are continuing at a rapid pace and 108 militants have been killed till June 13. Yet, there are still 190-220 active militants in Kashmir valley, which shows systematic induction by militant organisations. They maintain this number to keep the pot of violence boiling in the valley.

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