Abu Ismail +

SRINAGAR: No militant is ready to become chief of the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit in Kashmir after the killing of Pakistani terroristin an encounter last week, said S P Vaid, director general of Jammu and Kashmir Police , on Monday."I heard there is a vacancy for the commander's post in Lashkar, but no one is ready to apply," Vaid said while replying to a question about the recruitment of a new LeT chief in the Valley.While inaugurating the three-day water sports festival — 'Jashn-e-Dal' and Shikara Race — organised by the J&K Police at Dal Lake, Vaid urged local militants to renounce the path of violence and join the mainstream. "Be it elders, religious leaders, parents or political leaders, I appeal to all to help children distinguish between the good and bad. One must tread upon the right path and fulfil the mission of life. Bloodshed won't yield anything," he added.Vaid said the J&K police have recently rescued 60 youths from militancy and counselled them. "We're counselling out of militancy all those boys whose cases are brought to our notice. They are our kids and we don't want them to go the wrong way," said the DGP, adding that there are clear instructions to the security forces to give a chance to those militants who are ready to surrender.Attempts are being made to bring the youths back into the mainstream. Security personnel are trying to engage them so that they remain away from drugs and militancy, said Vaid.