Srinagar, May 21 : The Indian Army Thursday said that it conducted youth counselling session at Gujjarpatti lolab in Norht Kashmirs Lolab area.
Army in a statement said: “Lolab valley has been a beacon of peace and prosperity in the region for last many years. There has been no recruitment or militant activities in the area.
However, recently there has been an increase in the efforts of inimical antinational elements to misguide the youth of the region. Based on the reliable inputs it was learnt that 11 youth were being coerced under false pretexts to take up arms by the militant outfits” it said.
To address these misguided youths and counsel them to not fall prey to the false propaganda of the adversary, the Army further said, “ it was decided by Army and Civil Administration to conduct a counselling session for them on 21 May 20. The aim of this counselling session was to interact with these youths to make them aware about the ongoing situation in the valley and guide them towards the correct path”.
“However, on 20 May 20 three of these local youths picked up arms and were being inducted into the tanzeems. Consequently based on local inputs an, early morning joint operation was launched on 21 May 20 by Army and Police. Being local youths, all out efforts were made and every opportunity was provided for them to return. Security Forces were able to convince them to surrender and lay down their arms”.
The counselling session was conducted on 21 May 20 as planned. “The session was chaired by Commander Charkut Military Garrison. SSP Kupwara, SSP (IB), DSP Lolab, Sarpanches of local villages and other senior Army and civil dignitaries were also present. The Army and Civil Dignitaries addressed and informed the youth about the recent misadventure of these three locals of the area who have successfully returned after picking up arms.
They also instructed the youth to understand the false agendas being perpetrated by the adversary to foment trouble in the region and to not fall prey to their malicious designs. They were informed about the various efforts being undertaken by the Government and Army towards providing education, skill development and employment opportunities especially for youth of Lolab.
Joint efforts of all stakeholders including the Awaam of the region will ensure ushering in of lasting peace and development in the region and we must all pledge to become contributing members of these initiatives” it reads.
“Lastly, youth along with their guardians undertook an oath in presence of the authorities, assuring everyone that they will in future refrain from being misled and will wholeheartedly contribute towards a brighter future for themselves, their families and Lolab”.
