Surrenders hit Hizbul hard after expulsions

While a senior security officer claimed at least 46 militants have agreed to surrender, sources said 16 Hizbul militants from Kupwara district have deserted the outfit. They said eight Hizbul militants surrendered on May 18, two on May 20 and six on May 26. All of them surrendered at the frontier village of Kalaroos in Lolab near the LoC.

Though the surrender is said to be linked to the Hizbul’s expulsion of Abdul Majid Dar and three other senior commanders in first week of May for indiscipline, a security officer said it was the mounting pressure by the forces in Kalaroos that yielded results.

The Hizbul has, however, denied the figures. ‘‘Some reports say six members surrendered. But figures like 13 or 20 are ridiculous,’’ said a Hizbul source. Hizbul launching commander Mohammad Yousf Wani alias Abu Aamir, who criticised Salahuddin for Dar’s expulsion, is among those who surrendered. Others include commander Tanvir Khan, Mushtaq Wani, Gul Haput and Bashir Ahmad.

SP (Kupwara) G.M. Dar confirmed the surrender of 13 militants in Kalaroos area. ‘‘Yousf Wani was the launching chief of the outfit and his surrender will hit the movement of militants across the border,’’ Dar said. Officials claimed negotiations are on in Lolab and more surrenders are expected. The surrenders took place in the backdrop of the Hizbul’s offensive against security forces from May 16-22.