Srinagar, Dec. 24 (TNS): There has been a sharp spike in the number of young Kashmiris joining freedom fighter groups this year, with the number crossing 100 for the first time since such data started being collated in 2010, Indian officials said here on Sunday.
The figure, which stood at 88 in 2016, has already reached 117 by the end of November this year with south Kashmir emerging as one of the main hubs which provided cadres to freedom fighter groups such as Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashker-e- Taiba, reports of Indian security agencies said.
According to the reports, the number of local youths who joined various militant groups this year includes 12 from Anantnag, 45 from Pulwama and Awantipora, 24 from Shopian and 10 from Kulgam.
The figures for North Kashmir are — four youths joined militant groups from Kupwara, six from Baramulla and Sopore, and seven from Bandipore, according to the reports.
From central Kashmir, Srinagar district accounted for disappearance of five youths while Budgam for four.
The reports are based on technical and human intelligence besides interrogation reports of militants arrested during various counter-insurgency operations in the Valley.
The reports have put the number of those joining the militants this year as high as 117, but Director General of occupied Jammu and Kashmir Police S P Vaid contends that the numbers are much lesser.
However, a senior Indian security officer said the figures of the police only take into account the cases registered in the police stations whereas the actual figures are always on the higher side as many parents do not report the matter to the law enforcing agencies due to fear.
