Youth coming to encounter site is suicide: J&K Police chief on stone pelters

"The immediate family of those getting killed are the ones who suffer."

Srinagar: Terming the incidences where the youth pelt stones at security forces during encounters with militants as unfortunate, Jammu and Kashmir Police chief SP Vaid said the youth of the state should not fall prey to the sinister designs of those who are inimical to country's interest.

“There are 300 WhatsApp groups with around 300 people each which are being used to instigate youngsters to reach encounter area and pelt stones to allow terrorists get out of the area,” he said.

“Some of these accounts have been traced to across the border,” he added.

“During encounters, even the security forces takes cover...the youth coming to the encounter site is committing suicide. When bullets fly...,” he said.

“My appeal to all boys is that they should remain in their homes and not come to encounter sites. Pelting (of stones) is not desirable at all,” the DGP said, adding, “Youth must understand that they are being used by people for their short-term political gains. These people want to create mayhem in Kashmir valley,” said.

Vaid said that it's only the immediate family of those getting killed who suffer.

“Look at the mother and family of those who died three days back, Others will forget the tragedy in 10 days but the family will suffer forever,” he said.

The DGP said that his advice to the youth will not get misguided by such social media groups.

“Theses boys are being brainwashed, they are being radicalised, it's a challenge for all of us. Where does it lead these youth to? death and destruction, nothing else,” Vaid said.

The police chief also expressed confidence that the situation in the valley won't return to chaos, like last summer.

“People of Kashmir don't want trouble this season, they have already suffered last summer. There are elements who work for the enemies of the country, I think we should be careful of them,” he added.