SRINAGAR – Indian authorities are alarmed over more and more local youthsjoining militancy emerged after killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commanderBurhan Wani two years ago.

“Of the 12 confirmed dead, 11 are local Kashmiris & (and) the identity ofthe 12th is being ascertained, not one so far is a foreign terrorist. Is noone in a position of power in Delhi alarmed by this because I certainlyam!” said former CM Omar Abdullah in a series of tweets on Monday.

Omar tweets were over yesterday’s three encounters in Shopian and Anantnagdistricts of Kashmir in which 13 militants, four civilians and three Armymen were killed.

“@MehboobaMufti’s biggest & least talked about failure has been the massivejump in the numbers of young Kashmiri men joining the ranks of militantorganisations,” Omar said.

“Very Bloody Sunday in Kashmir … 13 militants killed but not withoutextracting a high cost – 3 Army men killed in the line of duty & 4protestors killed around the encounter sites,” he added.

The opposition National Conference working president lashed out at Mehboobafor staying in Delhi while the encounters were raging in the valley. “Sowhile all this was unfolding the chief minister didn’t see (it) fit to cutshort her Delhi trip. What was so important to have kept her there?” heasked.

Omar said most of the militants killed yesterday had joined the militancyafter killing of Burhan Wani in an encounter with the security forces inJuly 2016. “Creations of the post-Burhan Wani rage, most of the militantskilled yesterday were new recruits,” he added.