Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh said the number of local youths joining militancy has witnessed a considerable drop while attempts of infiltration from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) was on rise.The overall situation in the Kashmir valley remained by and large peaceful since the Article 370 and 35 A were scrapped, Mr Singh said during his day-long visit to this frontier district of Kupwara, where he reviewed the security situation, particularly on the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday.

He said life is fast returning to normal and people are busy in their daily activities in the district.Mr Singh said the number of local youths joining militant rank has witnessed considerable drop during the pastfew months, particularly after August 5. He said there are only few reports of youths missing in south Kashmir, the police chief said adding we are verifyingif they have joined militancy.

He said the youths of the valley have now understood that violence will lead to death and destruction only. It is only education and peace which can help them to achieve new heights in the life, he said.The police chief said a large number of trained militants, mostly foreigners, are waiting at launch pads at LoC to sneak into this side before the infiltration routes are closed due to snowfall.

However, he said security forces, guarding the border, areal ready on high alert to foil any infiltration bid. He admitted that some militants have infiltrated into this side during this summer under the cover of unprovoked and indiscriminate firing by Pakistani troops at LoC.

The DGP said after scrapping of Article 370 and 35 A,Pakistan is making repeated attempts to send more militants to escalateviolence in the valley. Majority of the infiltration bids were foiled by thealert troops.

He said even after the snowfall on higher reaches and other odds, there is no question of lowering the guards at the LoC.

He said two infiltrators were arrested by troops in Gulmargsector in the north Kashmir district of Baramulla while in central district ofGanderbal two militants, who had sneaked into this side from POK through Gurezsector were killed last month.