55 Foreign Nationals Among 76 Terrorists Killed In Jammu & Kashmir In 2023: DGP

Swain went on to say that the Union Territory now has only 31 local terrorists, an all-time low, and that recruitment of locals into militancy has dropped by 80% this year.

In Jammu and Kashmir this year, as many as 76 terrorists, including 55 foreigners, were neutralised, 291 terrorist associates were apprehended, and 201 overground workers were charged under the Public Safety Act, according to Director General of Police R R Swain, news agency PTI reported. Swain went on to say that the Union Territory now has only 31 local terrorists, an all-time low, and that recruitment of locals into militancy has dropped by 80% this year.

“In 48 anti-terrorist operations, we have neutralised 76 terrorists, including 55 foreigners. The trend of foreign terrorists getting killed more starting in 2022 and continued this year, making it clear that our actual fight is against infiltrators,” he stated, stressing that the anti-terrorism operations will continue next year with more vigour.

He stated that there are 31 recognised local terrorists who are active - four in Jammu region's Kishtwar and 27 in the valley - and that the number is at an all-time low.

“There is an 80 per cent decline in terror recruitment this year. Year-on-year comparison shows that 130 locals joined terrorism in 2022 and this year, till date the number is 22. We will try to stop the recruitment completely which is essential to end the cycle of violence. When there is recruitment, action happens and the fallout follows, continuing the cycle. I am seeing the decline in recruitment as saving 113 people from getting killed this year,” he was quoted by PTI in its report.

According to the DGP, there were 31 civilian killing last year, but only 14 this year, while terror-related occurrences decreased from 125 in 2022 to 46 in 2023, a 63% decrease.

“Four policemen including a DSP and an inspector were martyred this year, against 14 last year, thus recording a 71 per cent decline,” he said.

He stated that 291 terror associates, who give logistical assistance, act as guides, and select targets, were apprehended this year, compared to 373 the previous year.

“We have strengthened the record building and surveillance system by utilising technology and a repeat offender can now be easily identified and ensured a maximum sentence,” he added.

According to the DGP, 201 overground workers (OGWs) were held under the PSA this year, with 171 in Kashmir and the rest in the Jammu zone, and 89 terror modules, including 78 in Kashmir and 11 in Jammu.

Swain stated that 18 terrorist hideouts were discovered, 12 in the valley and six in the Jammu area.

He stated that 99 assets worth more than Rs 170 crore, related to terrorism and separatism, had been attached, including 57 by the State Investigation Agency. In addition to the cash seizure, many bank accounts were suspended, he said.

He stated that authorities had discovered 8,000 false social media profiles, the most of which were operating from outside the nation, and that proper legal action would be taken against all of them.

He stated that strike calls and stone-pelting are on the decline, with this year being the lowest since 2021-22. He added: “There was zero response to organised strike calls from separatists and terrorists operating from across the border, giving a silent endorsement from a common man who wants peace and development.”

The DGP stated that society would not be held captive by a few groups, and that action against such elements is unavoidable.

Swain stated that the overall security environment in Jammu and Kashmir has improved, paving the way for the successful execution of a number of important events, including a three-day national conference on legal services and a G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar, the Amarnath yatra and Muharram procession after a 34-year hiatus, and the Congress' Bharat Jodo Yatra.