As many as 184 civilians and 319 security personnel were killed in 791 incidents of violence perpetrated by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir from 2018 to July 2023, Union Minister Nityanand Rai said in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported. On the other hand, 35 civilians were killed during encounters and counter operations, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said in a written reply.
"During last five years no terror attacks were reported in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Therefore, question of casualties in terror attacks does not arise," MoS Home Nityanand Rai said.
"5 terrorist incidents occurred in the hinterland of the country and 3 casualties of civilians, no casualties of Armed forces and 1 terrorist killed in the last five years," the minister further stated.
The minister stated that the government has a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and claimed that the security situation has improved significantly in Jammu and Kashmir.
Rai stated: "A robust security and intelligence grid is in place to thwart any attempt of terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Further, steps taken by the Government to prevent terrorist incidents and to safeguard the lives of civilians in the valley include group security in form of static guards, round the clock checking at Nakas at the strategic points, night patrolling and area domination, identification of vulnerable spots, security arrangement through appropriate deployment of police, army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and intensified Cordon and Search Operations."