As security forces stepped up anti-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, 12 terrorists from four different outfits laid down arms in Baramulla district on Monday.
The terrorists, 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 pisqulrenades and an RPG round were also handed over by the surrenderees.
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 terrorists 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 jehad (holy war).
They also highlighted the role of Pakistan's ISI's activities in the valley.
A number of Kashmiri youth in ISI's training camps had committed suicide while others were doing menial jobs to earn a living, they claimed.