As security forces stepped up anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir [Images], 12 militants from four different outfits, laid down arms in Baramulla district on monday.

The militants, affiliated to Hizbullah, Tehreek-e-Jehad, Hizb-e-Islami and Hizbul Mujahideen, gave up before the army at a function in Baramulla town. A huge cache of arms and explosives, including six AK assault rifles, a carbine machine, three shoulder-fired rocket launchers, five Chinese grenade launchers and an RPG round were also handed over.

Disillusionment, frustration and a strong desire to return to their homes to rejoin the mainstream led the ultras to surrender, a defence spokesman said. With their faces covered due to security reasons, the militants gave mediapersons details of how they were lured to cross the Line of Control, given training in handling of weapons and explosives and indoctrinated for jihad (holy war).

They also highlighted the role of Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence's activities in the valley. A number of Kashmiri youths in ISI's training camps had committed suicide while others were doing menial jobs to earn a living, they claimed.

Photograph: Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images

Text: PTI