AK Bhatt, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Army's 15 Corps on Friday asserted that youth of Kashmir must not follow the path of violence and should strive to represent the nation in sports.
"We expect that youth of Kashmir can represent India in different sports and bring glory for the state and nation. This is what I see as the future of our youth," he said.
Encouraging the youth to throw away guns and get into sports for a glorious future, Bhatt said, "Those who have guns in their hand, I want to say them to throw away the gun and get into sports. The path of violence is full of darkness. Holding weapon will only bring sadness for them and their families. We will surely give a chance to those holding gun but if they won't relent we will have to neutralise them."
Condemning the killing of a youth in Shopian, Bhatt said, "These terrorists have no religion, no values. They have killed a young boy. The reason for the terrorist attack is still unknown. But definitely, it's a terrorist attack. We condemn it."
He also asserted that there is still much of activity at launch pads and 250-300 terrorists are stationed in front of core areas.
"Every night there are attempts of infiltration by these terrorists", he added.
Terrorists in the intervening night of November 15 and 16 forcibly abducted a civilian and later killed him. His bullet-riddled body was retrieved by police from Kilora, Pulwama. The deceased, identified as Nadeem Manzoor was a native of Shopian's Safanagri village.