Over two dozen ultras cross LoC, surrender in Uri in J and K

Srinagar, Apr 19 (UNI) Over two dozen militants, given arms training in different camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) sneaked into India and surrendered before troops in the Uri sector, official sources said.

A Defence Ministry spokesman, confirming the surrender of militants, said it was the largest group. However, he declined to give exact number saying the surrender function will be held at Rampur tomorrow where the militants will meet their parents and other relatives.

The heavily armed militants crossed over to India from POK early this morning and surrendered after they were challenged by the troops guarding the LOC at Rampur, the sources said.

Majority Kashmiri militants in different camps across the border want to surrender and lead a normal life here, they added.

The militants, who surrendered today, have contacted troops through their family members expressing their desire to surrender after their return.

It was only after the security forces gave green signal, the militants returned and surrender, the sources said.

About one hundred militants and their family members have so far surrendered before the troops after their return from POK after October 8, 2005 killer quake in which about one lakh people had lost their lives and several militants camps were destroyed.

A number of militants, who had married in POK and Pakistan, also returned back here along with their wives and children.

The surrendered ultra said Kashmiri militants were being mistrusted and forced bounded labour in PoK.

UNI