J&K’s director general of police SP Vaid on Thursday said youth who have picked up gun have only two options—either to return to their homes or get killed in gunfights. Speaking on Operation All-Out, he said that basic motive of the operation was to “end the menace of militancy and let peace prevail in Kashmir.”

“The youth wielding guns and opening fire at government forces will be responded with bullets only”.

Replying to a query on continued civilian casualties at gunfight sites, the DGP said efforts are on to minimise such deaths. Yesterday, a huge group of youth attacked a forces’ camp which resulted in death of a youth. In such a situation, what can you expect,” he said. “Otherwise, we have directed our men to keep pellets as their last resort.”

About preparations for upcoming August 15, Vaid said people should join the official functions without any panic.

“We are ready to deal with any situation,” he said.