Active number of militants less than 200 in J&K: Defence Ministry

The Union Ministry of Defence Wednesday revealed that the number of active militants in J&K have come down to less than 200 while as local militant recruitment and streets protests have shown a significant dip in the past two years.

In its Year End Report-2020, the Ministry of Defence, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), 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.

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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 LoC."

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The report said that the number of attempts to smuggle arms, ammunition and contraband were also foiled along the LoC.

The Defence Ministry year-ender said that well synergised, intelligence-based operations have resulted in significant successes and have considerably degraded militant leadership and their capabilities in Jammu and Kashmir.

"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.

It said that the attempts to spread violence South of Pir Panjal Range have been comprehensively defeated by proactive operations.

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"All possible steps are being taken to provide a secure environment to the Awaam of Jammu and Kashmir", it said. "Significant reduction has been observed in protests over past two years providing an opportunity to the Awaam to lead a peaceful life."

The report said that attempts of inimical elements to mislead people by running disinformation campaigns were defeated by proactively monitoring the situation and engaging with the local population.

The annual report said that In the challenging times of global pandemic of COVID-19, the Indian Army rendered assistance not only to civil administration but directly to civil populace as well, by carrying out medical evacuations, provision of necessary supplies to needy and educating common people about nitty-gritties of COVID-19.

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The humane approach of the Army has been appreciated by one and all, it said

Besides this, the annual report furthermore said that the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh inaugurated 18 Bridges in J&K and Ladakh of which 10 in Jammu and Kashmir and 8 in Ladakh through video conferencing in October last year.

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