Number of youths joining militancy in Kashmir has come down: DGP Vaid

Srinagar: The number of youths joining militancy in Kashmir has come down drastically after the security forces launched 'Operation All-Out' this year, police officials said, on Sunday insisting the aim of the drive was not just to kill terrorist but win them back in to the mainstream.

Speaking to the media, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police S P Vaid outlined the achievements of the state police in 2017. The police chief was joined by Kashmir zone inspector general Munir Khan and other senior officials.

"The perception of Operation All-Out should not be only that we will kill every terrorist. It is a holistic, multi- pronged strategy to bring back normalcy in Kashmir,"Vaid said.

He said one of the aspects of the operation is also to provide counseling to those who shun the path of violence. "We will also provide training to them so that they stand on their own feet."

"Another aspect is to appeal local militants during encounters to drop weapons and joining them with their families without any harm to them." he said.

The IGP said there is a misconception that 'Operation All-Out' was only about killing militants "which it is not".

"It is about the overall improvement of the situation by way of also getting them to surrender, counseling them as well as their parents to get them back and we have been successful in doing that," he said.

Asked about the trend of youth joining militancy in Kashmir, the DGP said the numbers have come down drastically and things will improve further.