[Security] Security situation in Kashmir better than ever after Article 370’s abrogation: Union Home Ministry

After the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, violence in Jammu and Kashmir has significantly decreased and security forces have achieved major success against terrorists, said Indian Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ report.

The report noted that terror-related activities have reduced in the valley by around 36% after the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, revoking the special status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

In these past 11 months, there have been major successes against terror rackets in the valley.

In 2019, (from January to July 15), a total of 188 terrorism-related incidents had taken place in the valley, while this year around 120 such incidents were recorded during the same period. Notably, 126 terrorists were killed during this period in 2019, while the figure stands at 136 terrorists slain, over the same period in 2020.

Last year, there were 51 grenade attacks till July 15, while only 21 such cases have been recorded this year over the same duration. 23 civilians were killed in terror attacks last year, and 75 security forces were martyred. Comparing to this year’s data, the report shows that 22 civilians were killed and 35 Jawans were martyred this year.

If compared to Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks, there were 6 IED attacks last year in this period, while only 1 IED attack has occurred till July 15 this year.

Among the slain terrorists were 110 local terrorists and the rest were from Pakistan. More than 50 terrorists are from Hizbul Mujahideen, including about 20 terrorists from Lashkar and Jaish-e-Mohammad, and 14 terrorists from ISJK and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.

In 2020, security forces have succeeded in killing Hizbul Mujahideen commander Riaz Niku, Lashkar Commander Haider, Jaish commander Qari Yasir, and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind’s Burhan Koka.

In addition, 22 terrorists and about 300 of their helpers were arrested.

In this one year alone, 22 terror hideouts were detected and about 190 weapons were apprehended, mostly AK-47 assault rifles. Not only that, but there has also been a decline of 40% in the involvement of local youth in terrorist outfits, this year, only 67 youths were sent to the path of terror.

At the same time, the Hurriyat Conference, which promotes terrorism and violence, was also jolted this year when its leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani separated himself from the Hurriyat Conference.