January 19
The Indian Army may restrict the number of people attending the funeral of militants in the Kashmir valley as they believe that it has the potential to emotionally charge young minds.
A report last year observed that Militant funerals have become a hotbed for Militant recruitment.
According to the sources, efforts are being made to increase the deployment of Government forces in and around the area where a slain militant belongs.
It is also being planned that proper blockades are set up to check the size of the gathering.
This was recently witnessed in Sugan area of Shopian where the forces immediately laid siege after the killing of Zeenat ul Islam.
However, this triggered intense clashes between Government Force personnel and locals as mourners tried to forcibly join the Janaza by breaking down the barriers.
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In south Kashmir, where most local militants reportedly belong, surveillance will also be maintained around orchards, which people often use to take detours.
In the past, top militants, including those identified as most dangerous (A++), have appeared at the Janazas of militants with assault rifles to offer “gun salutes”.
Since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on 8 July 2016, the size of Militant funerals have increased mainfolds.
It was with a similar aim that the security establishment held discussions last year on whether to cease handing over the bodies of slain militants and bury them instead in the presence of their families.
However, the plan was shot down, It was decided that it would be better to impose restrictions in a manner that does not escalate the situation further.