2018 will be a crucial year for Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP). Last year, a heavy crackdown on terror activities resulted in breaking the top commander layer.
Senior police officers say this year will focus on reaching out to young men, who joined militant ranks and to assist their return.
Speaking to India Today in Srinagar, Additional Director General of Police Muneer Khan (IG Kashmir zone) said, “There are many challenges we face. Basic aim is to ensure local youth do not join ranks of militants. We will be taking required steps especially in attempting to call them back.”
In 2017, police and Army managed to get back approximately six boys, including an amateur footballer, from militant ranks especially after appeals from family members and social media campaigns by friends.
On January 1, DGP SP Vaid confirmed that three young boys in valley had returned home ‘in response to the call of their families.' Identity of these boys was not revealed due to security considerations.
The question, however, is if this precedent will stop young boys from joining terror groups.
ADGP Muneer Khan has a word of caution against viral videos that claim more boys have picked up the gun.
