New Delhi: At least 168 terrorists are active in Jammu and Kashmir while 75 terrorists were killed in encounters this year, said, officials. The officials mentioned that 21 of the terrorists killed were foreign mercenaries. In the last 11 months, terrorists were eliminated in encounters along the Line of Control (LoC) and 12 infiltration attempts were foiled. "The intensity of (counter-terrorism) operations will continue to be high till all of the residual 168 plus terrorists surrender or are eliminated," a senior army officer told PTI.


The officer said that the overall situation is continuously improving with the Army's specified deployment, as a result of which a positive environment is being created for accelerating the developmental initiatives of the Government.


"Dividends of peace have started reaching the people and they are further getting motivated to preserve and sustain peace", the officer added.


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In the year 2021, 180 terrorists were killed by the security forces, out of which 18 were foreigners. The officer mentioned that this was possible due to the coordination with the intelligence network and the support of the common people.


He said that 495 over OGWs (Overground workers) were caught last year, whereas in the first four months of this year only 87 such people have been apprehended.


"Ceasefire violation, infiltration bids or any other misadventure attempted by the adversary will be met firmly and strongly," the officer said.