Active number of militants less than 200 in J&K: Defence Ministry
Jammu: The Union Ministry of Defence Wednesday revealed that the number of active militants in J&K has come down to less than 200 while as local militant recruitment and street protests have shown a significant dip in the past two years.
In its Year End Report-2020, the Ministry of Defence said that with the ‘Whole of Government’ approach adopted against the militant ecosystem and the consistent efforts of the security forces, the security situation in Jammu & Kashmir has seen progressive improvement.
The report said that on one hand, high level of alertness by troops along the Line of Control (LC) blunted Pakistan’s endeavours to infiltrate militants into the Valley, at the same time, high tempo of kinetic operations in the hinterland ensured denial of operational space to militant organisations.
“Ceasefire Violations committed by Pakistan Army were given a befitting reply by own troops causing significant casualties to Pakistan Army,” the report said. “Counter infiltration grid was strengthened resulting in neutralisation of a number of militants along the LC.”
The report said that the number of attempts to smuggle arms, ammunition and contraband were also foiled along the LoC.
“Residual terrorist strength in the Valley now is below 200 and local recruitment is decreasing giving a serious blow to the nefarious designs of Pakistan to indigenize the movement and fuel unrest in the Valley”, the report said.
