JK youths joining terror ranks despite Ramzan ceasefire: BJP

Jammu and Kashmir BJP unit today said the notion that alleged excesses of security forces were driving Kashmiri youths to militancy has been proven wrong as the forces have not conducted any operation during the ongoing fasting month of Ramzan, but still some youths have joined terror ranks.

The purpose of the government behind the (Ramzan) ceasefire was to normalise the situation in the Valley...it has proved beyond any doubt that the youths are not joining militancy because of the excesses of security forces," BJP spokesperson Brig (Retd) Anil Gupta told reporters here.

Security forces did not conduct any operation (since the beginning of Ramzan last month) but still some youths joined terror ranks. We need to look for reasons why the youths are joining militancy and the civil society of Kashmir had a greater role to play and look why the youths are deviating from the right path, he said.

Gupta said the central dispensation would never hurt the morale of the security forces.

The security forces will be taken on board with regard to any decision (on the ceasefire)," he asserted.

Another party spokesperson Sunil Sethi called the recent visit of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to the state "historic".

Singh had yesterday announced Rs 5.5 lakh compensation per family for west Pakistani refugees, establishment of nine police battalions, increase in relief for Kashmiri Pandits, bullet-proof ambulances for border areas etc.