Nine militants surrender in Kashmir

Srinagar, Mar 8: Nine militants today surrendered along with arms and ammunition before the security forces in Kashmir valley.

The militants, belonging to different outfits, laid down their arms and ammunition before a senior security force officer at a function held here.

We were fed up with the violence and wanted to lead a peaceful life, the militants said claiming they had joined the militancy after receiving threats from militant organisations.

Now we have realised that violence will not serve any purpose, they said, adding that they wanted to life a honourable life.

However, they called on the government to provide all assistance to surrendered militants so that they could start a fresh life.

A senior army officer said that the recent intiatives taken by the government had encouraged militants to surrender.

He said militants had some apprehensions about their lives after their surrender. These apprehensions have been removed with the result they are feeling very comfortable in coming forward and susrrendering to the security forces, he said.

The officer said another reason for large number of militants surrdering before the security forces was the policy to adjust them in different security force agencies.

About 8000 youths from the state are serving in the army and fighting against the militants, he added.

UNI