Eighty-seven local youth joined millitant outfits in Jammu and Kashmir till July 20, this year, Union Minister Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said today.
In a written reply to Lok Sabha, the minister said that after imposition of Governor's rule in the state on June 20, 12 youths were reported to have disappeared and later joined militancy.
"Eighty-seven youths have joined militancy in 2018 (till July 20) in the four districts of South Kashmir - Anantnag (14), Pulwama (35), Shopian (23), Kulgam (15)," he said in the reply.
The union minister of state for home said the government regularly reviews the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. In order to prevent activities of militants,numerous steps have been taken, including strengthening of the operational grid with enhanced human intelligence and use of technical intelligence grid, Ahir said.
"The government has also continuously encouraged policies to mainstream the youth, including providing employment opportunities to wean them away from militancy," he said.
In 2018, till July 22, 110 terrorist were killed by security forces, while 18 civilians died in militancy-related violence in Jammu and Kashmir, the minister said.
In 2017, 213 terrorist were killed and 40 civilians died in terror incidents, he said.
(With inputs from PTI)
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