Srinagar, Aug. 29 -- As many as eighty youth from south Kashmir joined militant ranks this year, even as state forces have been able to kill and arrested many of them during encounters, a top police officer said Saturday.

Addressing a joint presser in Pulwama, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police South Kashmir range, Atul Goel said around 80 youth from south Kashmir districts joined different militant organizations this year.

Among them, he said many have been killed or arrested and some have even laid down their arms.

"The seven militants killed in the past 24 hours were involved in several attacks on security forces and civilians. The killing of seven militants including two commanders is a big success for security forces," Goel ...