79 youths in Valley have joined militant ranks this year: Govt

New Delhi, Dec 23: 79 youths in Kashmir Valley have joined various terror outfits during this year, a figure which is 30 per cent higher than that of the previous year, 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 as per reports, 79 youths have joined militant ranks during 2015 (as on November 30) whereas 60 youths joined militant ranks during the corresponding period of 2014.

There has been a growing concern within the security establishment about the sudden increase in disappearance of youths in Kashmir Valley this year and reports coming in suggest that they have joined various militant organisations, especially pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen led by Burhan Wani.

The minister informed the Upper House that the terrorist activities in the Jammu and Kashmir were regularly being monitored and reviewed at various levels.

He said that the government has adopted various counter measures to neutralise these efforts and capabilities of militants to disturb peace in the state. Chaudhary said the government has also encouraged policies to mainstream the youth, including providing employment opportunities to wean them away from militancy.

He said various steps have been initiated, including proactively taking suitable measures to safeguard the borders from cross-border terrorism and containing militancy.

The other focus areas are that the democratic process is sustained, ensuring sustained peace process and providing adequate opportunities to all sections of the people who eschew violence to effectively represent their view points and redress their genuine grievances.

PTI