30% increase: Last year 60 youths joined militant ranks
Seventy nine youths in the Kashmir valley have joined various terror outfits this year, a figure which is 30 per cent higher than that of the previous year, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.
Replying to a written question by BJP member Lal Sinh Vadodia, Minister of State for Home Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary said 79 youths had joined militant ranks during 2015 (as on November 30) whereas 60 youths had joined militant ranks during the corresponding period of 2014.
There has been a growing concern within the security establishment about the sudden increase in the disappearance of youths in the Kashmir valley this year and reports coming in suggest that they have joined various militant organisations, including the pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen led by Burhan Wani.
The minister informed the Upper House that the terrorist activities in J&K were regularly being monitored and reviewed at various levels. He said the government had adopted various counter measures to neutralise these efforts and capabilities of militants to disturb peace in the state.
To bring the youth into the mainstream, Chaudhary said the government had initiated steps, including employment schemes, to wean them away from militancy.
He said various measures were also being taken to safeguard the borders from infiltration and terrorism. The government was making efforts to sustain the democratic and peace process and provide adequate opportunities to all sections of the people. — PTI
