Security forces foiled a major ex-filtration bid when they arrested eight Kashmiri youths before they could be taken to Pakistan occupied Kashmir for arms training in camps.

Official sources said security forces, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a group of eight youths when they were being taken to north Kashmir for crossing over to PoK.

The youths said that they were forced to join militancy by some militants operating in the Kangan area.

They were later handed over to their parents in the presence of a large number of villagers, sources added.

More than 40 youths have been arrested by the security forces before they could cross over to other side of the Line of Control to receive training in arms since January this year.