Locals joining militant ranks concerning: IGP

SRINAGAR — Inspector General of Police Kashmir, Vijay Kumar on Friday termed as “very concerning” the joining of local youths into militant ranks in the Valley.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function on “National Anti-Terrorism Day”, the IGP appealed police, security forces and parents to work sincerely and exert more efforts to stop recruitment of local youths into militant ranks.

Earlier the main function of the event was organized at District Police Lines Srinagar where the IGP Kashmir administered the “Anti-Terrorism Day” pledge.

The top police officer of the Valley read out the “pledge to uphold and promote peace, social harmony and understanding among all fellow beings and fight the forces of disruption, threatening human lives and values.”

“Our motive is to end (militancy) in the Kashmir Valley so as to create militancy-free environment for the common people who want to live peacefully,” the IGP said while speaking on the occasion.

“A comprehensive and coordinated effort by police, security forces, Education and Sports departments and family is the need of hour,” he said.

In order to give a chance to the local militants trapped in encounters, he said, “We reasonably delay operations to facilitate their surrender.”

“Today, we take a pledge to condemn all forms of violence, (militancy) and its related activities,” he said.