Indian Army rescues four teenagers from militants’ captivity in Kashmir

KISHTWAR - Four teenagers have been rescued by the Indian Army from the captivity of militants in the Kistwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The boys aged between 16-20 years were rescued from militants during an operation launched in Jwalapur forest belt on March 31 after villagers filed complaints about the kidnapped teenagers.

It’s like a second life for four teenagers, who were rescued by the army during a recent operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district.

The freed teenagers narrated how they got trapped in militants’ trap.

“They tempted me with money. They said they will give me weapons but I realised that my life will be ruined if I stay here,” said Hashim, one of the rescued boys, who was abducted while returning from the school, on Monday (April 5).

The incident of kidnappings has scared villagers here.

“They target teenagers, as they can mould their minds and after some time the children themselves feel reluctant to come back home,” said Muhammad Yaseen, brother of a rescued boy.

The freed boys were later handed over to their families after proper verification and completion of formalities.

Thousands have lost their lives in militancy in Kashmir since 1989.

The Indian army says it has stepped up its vigil along the Line of Control to thwart infiltrations as hundreds of militants are waiting in the Pakistan occupied Kashmir to enter into India.

On Wednesday (March 31) four soldiers and four militants were illed in a gun battle in Rajouri district of the state. (ANI)