Security forces reach out to terrorists’ families, seek their help for surrender

In a novel and bold initiative, security forces on Tuesday had a meeting with families of 83 active terrorists of South Kashmir’s Shopian district to seek their help and support for the surrender of these terrorists. Shopian has been one of the highly terror-infested areas of Kashmir and a number of local boys have joined the terrorist ranks in the last few months.

According to the defence spokesman in Srinagar, Lt Gen D.P. Pandey, GOC Chinar Corps, along with GOC Victor Force, Maj Gen Rashim Bali, and IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar, addressed 83 family members of active terrorists in Shopian and urged them to guide their wards to get back into society. GOC, 15 Corps, while addressing the family members of active terrorists, reiterated that the security forces are committed to surrender even during active operations. He said, “All assistance will be provided to the misguided youth, in enabling them to surrender and the security forces will work with these youth, to address their concerns and assist them in joining the mainstream.”

More than one dozen active terrorists have surrendered before the security forces in active operations. The joint forces have been pursuing a policy of second chance to the local terrorists so that they can return to the mainstream. However, there will be no mercy for the foreign terrorists.

The GOC Chinar Corps also urged the families, especially the parents, to appeal to their wards to shun the path of violence and return home. He reaffirmed the security forces’ commitment to maintaining peace in the Kashmir valley. The interaction was intended to instill confidence and convey the intent of the security forces among the families of active terrorists. Societal and family support can wean the men away from the path of violence and death. The security forces are focusing on the “terrorists without weapons”, who sustain and handle terror activities. The overall aim is to break the cycle of violence.