Five militants lay down arms

SRINAGAR, SEPT. 4. Five militants belonging to four different pro- Pakistan outfits today laid down their arms in Jammu and Kashmir.

The militants belonging to the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, the Harkat-ul- Mujahideen, Al-Fateh and Tehreek-i-Jehad-e-Islami surrendered before Brig. A.K. Singh, Commander, five-sector Rashtriya Rifles at a function organised by the counter-insurgency Kilo-force at Manasbal on the outskirts of Srinagar.

``Security forces motivated them to shun the path of violence and lead a peaceful life with their near and dear ones,'' Brig. Singh said, adding the surrendered militants had joined militancy a few years ago and had now realized the futility of their decision to continue with the gun culture.

He said various initiatives undertaken by the Army to help youth in carving out a bright future ``brings out the humane face of the Army willing to help those wishing to shun violence in order to bring back peace and prosperity to the Valley.''

Today's event is likely to act as a catalyst and embolden others to follow suit and give peace a chance in the Valley, Brig. Singh said.

Meanwhile, three militants belonging to the Hizb-ul- Mujahideen and Tehreek-i-Jehad-e-Islami were apprehended at Wanagam and Dabran forest in Baramulla district during operations conducted by security forces, sources said.

- PTI

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