Srinagar, Sep 03: The number of listed militants in Kashmir has crossed 300 for the first time in nearly past ten years, a media report said today.
According to ‘The Tribune’, the number of militants stayed close to 200 during past 10 years, except in 2013 when it plunged to 78 – lowest since militancy erupted in the state in 1990.
Quoting a senior police officer, it said that there has been a significant increase in the number of militants.
“The main reason for the high number of militants has been local recruitment since 2017. Last year 126 Valley youths picked up guns, which was the highest number since 2010, and this year over 130 have been inducted into militancy,” the report said while quoting the senior officer.
Quoting from a report compiled by the J&K Police in early August, it said that 327 militants are active of which 211 are locals and 116 are foreigners.
Of the listed militants, 181 are active in the volatile south Kashmir districts, which have been on the edge ever since the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani in July 2016.
