125 terrorists' bodies not handed over to kin in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Around 125 local terrorists killed during the anti-terror operations were buried in far-flung areas from their homes this year so far in Jammu & Kashmir. A total of 171 terrorists were killed in the hinterland in the valley till October 10 this year.

In April this year, the State administration had taken a decision to carry out the burial of killed local terrorists in areas far from their hometowns to help the security establishment in maintaining law and order in the valley. The administration has also decided that they won't hand over bodies to family members in order to stop pro-jihad gatherings.

"Burial procession of killed local terrorists had become a recruiting ground for Pakistan-based terror organizations," said an Indian Army officer.

The deaths of terrorists were often a public spectacle. Locals grieve the loss saying that the slain terrorists fought against the state's armed forces.

Further, the burial processions used to attract huge local crowds and in every such procession, a minimum of two to three youth got deviated and joined the terror outfits. "It was a very challenging task for us to stop such recruitments," said another officer. Further, it became a tough task for police to control law and order situation as these crowds resorted to stone pelting on the police and paramilitary posts and convoys.

To stop such recruitment, the State administration had decided the burials would be conducted by local authorities and that too under the Supervision of a magistrate.

But the state ensured burials are being conducted in a respectful manner and in the presence of their families and in full compliance with religious requirements. DNA samples are also being maintained to ensure transparency, the officer added. (IANS)

Also Watch: River Cruise launched at Biswanath Ghat

Also Read: 2 terrorists killed in Budgam encounter