Indian forces have arrested five Kashmiri youth during a joint operation in Kulgam district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Kashmir Media Service, personnel of the Indian Army's Rashtriya Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force and police arrested the youth during a cordon and search operation in the Khrewan Chadder area of Kulgam.

Indian forces also conducted a search operation in the Nagda Nar forest area of Handwara in Kupwara district.

The arbitrary arrests of innocent Kashmiri youth on various pretexts have become routine in the territory, aimed at spreading fear and forcing Kashmiris to abandon their freedom struggle.

Thousands of Kashmiris, including Hurriyat leaders and activists, remain imprisoned in jails and torture centres.