More than a dozen militants have laid down their arms in Kashmir since last year.

One more youth quit militancy on Friday to resume the normal life in Kashmir valley, according to the police.

“Another young boy responding to the appeals of crying mother returned to the fold of family leaving path of violence in the valley. I wish the family happy re- union.” Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) S.P. Vaid.

The police have refused to identify the youth for “security concerns.”

Over 70 youth rejoined the mainstream and quit militancy in the past one year in Kashmir valley.

Mehbooba outlines govt. initiatives

Notably, last month, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, in a written reply to a question of BJP MLC Vikram Randhawa, said: “four misguided youths shunned the path of violence and returned to the mainstream. Efforts are being made to counsel the families of militants to convince their wards to give up violence.”

The government had taken a number of steps to contain radicalisation and extremism, and undertaken youth engagement activities, such as cricket tournaments. Youth clubs had been set up at the police station-level to train them in information technology and indoor games, she said.

She also mentioned about the surveillance on social media, which had been enhanced as the Internet plays a major role in radicalisation of youth.

(With PTI inputs)