At a time when terrorism is on an upswing in Jammu and Kashmir, three terrorists of Hizb-ul-Mujahadeen and two of Harkat-ul-Mujahadeen surrendered before security forces in Doda district on Sunday.
The men laid down their arms before Army officers in Doda, one of the areas worst hit by militancy. They pledged to return to a normal life, an Army spokesman told reporters at the 16 Corps headquarters at Nagrota.
The official claimed that the terrorists were anguished by their separation from their families and found the life of a terrorist a fruitless pursuit.
They were identified as Javed Ahmad, Zahid and Mohammad Rafiq of the Hizbul, and Ismail and Mohammad Shafi of Harkat-ul-Mujahadeen.
While the two groups are quite active in the region, the surrender of the five men is expected to cause a dent in their ranks.
"This is a good sign. Terrorists giving up arms would inspire others to follow suit," the spokesman said.