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  India   Terrorist groups inducting teens

Terrorist groups inducting teens

AGE CORRESPONDENT | RAJNISH SHARMA
Published : Sep 29, 2013, 12:02 pm IST
Updated : Sep 29, 2013, 12:02 pm IST

Catch them young: this seems to be the new buzzword among top militant leaders operating out of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Catch them young: this seems to be the new buzzword among top militant leaders operating out of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Highly placed government sources said a number of terrorists being trained at various terror camps in PoK are as young as 15 years and that the average age of militants at these training camps is 18. In fact, the three militants involved in the twin terror strike in Jammu on Thursday were also part of this “new breed of terrorists” as they were in the age group of 16 to 19 years. These details have been mentioned in a comprehensive report sent to the Prime Minister in the US by the MHA. Sources said Dr Manmohan Singh was keen on having full details of the terror attack on a police station and the Samba Army camp ahead of crucial meetings with US President Barack Obama and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The report mentions that at least one of the three terrorists was part of an advance reconnaissance team as he seemed to know the exact location of the Army camp in Samba sector. “The fact that the terrorists used the side gate at the Army camp to enter and avoided the main gate where a Quick Response Team was deployed shows they were well aware of the location and deployment of security personnel. The spot from where the terrorists entered the Army camp is also closer to the officers’ mess as well as the staff quarters, which they wanted to target but failed,” the report adds. Intelligence sources said there was considerable concern about militant organisations roping in young boys for terror activities against India as they can be easily indoctrinated and are highly motivated. “It’s much easier for younger people to cross over the rugged and difficult terrain. They can be easily motivated and misled into carrying out serious attacks,” an MHA official said.

Location: India, Delhi, New Delhi