Terrorism Hits Rock Bottom with 80% Decrease in Recruitment: DGP
Sheikh Sameer SRINAGAR, Dec 30:
Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police RR Swain Saturday said that the collaborative efforts of Police and other security agencies have led to an 80 percent decline in militant recruitments in the UT.
Addressing a year-ender press conference DGP Swain said that militant ranks witnessed 80 percent decline in recruiting local youth in 2023 due to collaborative efforts of Police and other security agencies who are working in tandem to put an end to the cycle of violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
“As we don’t wish to disclose the figure at this occasion but for your information only 22 recruitments took place in 2023. JK Police will try at every level to curb recruitment in terror ranks, besides efforts are on to put an end on the cycle of violence,” he said.
He also said that in the ongoing fight against militancy, 113 militants from different groups have been neutralized in anti-terror operations in 2023. Providing details the DGP said that there are 31 local identified militants active across Jammu and Kashmir. “27 local active militants belong to Kashmir zone while 4 from Jammu areas,” DGP said.
DGP Swain said that two separatist organizations have been banned under UAPA this year which include Democratic Freedom Party led by Shabir Shah, and Muslim League led by Masarat Alam. “Our war will continue against those who glorify and legitimize terrorist actions. We will go with the fight continue till this ideology is fully wiped out.”
He held that during comparison of militant activities of previous years it has come to fore that local militants are gasping for breath, while as foreigners are taking lead in number. “Important thing which came to fore is that there has been a decline in local involvement in terrorism, while foreigners are taking the front. It becomes clear that future fight will be against those who infiltrate from outside into Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Swain said that a total of 76 terrorists, including 55 foreigners, were neutralised, 291 terrorist associates arrested and 201 overground workers booked under the Public Safety Act in Jammu and Kashmir this year.
Swain further said that only 31 local terrorists – an all-time low – are left in the Union Territory.
He said 14 civilians were also killed by terrorists in 2023, and there was a decline of 63 per cent in terror-related incidents as compared to the last year, while recruitment of terrorists has also gone down with strike calls and stone-pelting on continuous decline. Four police personnel, including a DSP and an inspector, lost their lives in terror attacks, he added.
