The government informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that as many as 26 “misguided youths”— all graduates and postgraduates — joined militancy in Jammu and Kashmir this year.

Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir told Parliament that “the Constitution does not have any provision to deal with anti-nationalists raising slogans against India and engaged in stone-pelting on Indian Army and paramilitary forces. However, such offenders are dealt with as per the provisions of relevant laws applicable in Jammu and Kashmir.”

Mr. Ahir said some residents in Jammu and Kashmir had been influenced by elements inimical to national interests. The State had been affected by terrorist and secessionist violence sponsored from across the border for more than two-and-a-half decades, he said.

He was replying to a question by BJP Member of Parliament Shamsher Singh Manhas on whether there were two kinds of people in J&K — nationalists and anti-nationalists. “The government has continuously encouraged policies to mainstream the youth, including providing job opportunities to wean them from militancy,” Mr. Ahir said. (THE HINDU)