Security forces eliminate 272 terrorists in J&K last year

While the country is awash in the sights and sounds of the general and assembly polls, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have kept up their operations against terrorism. Last year 272 terrorists were killed in Jammu and Kashmir, and the number stands at 70 so far this year, including the Jaise-E-Mohammad top brass.

Security forces are following a zero tolerance policy against terrorism, and are working relentlessly to eradicate terrorists from Kashmir valley.

While addressing a joint press conference, the army along with the Jammu and Kashmir police said that 272 terrorists were killed in the valley last year, and, 70 so far this year.

Out of the 70, 46 terrorists belonged to Jaise-E-Mohammad. Many terrorist base camps have also been eliminated and the JeM leadership has been wiped out from the valley.

The army said that operations against terrorists will continue in full earnest to contain the menace of terrorism. 41 terrorists have been killed since the Pulwama attack.

The forces maintain that the security environment in the state is stable and there has been a reduction in incidents of stone pelting and local recruitment of terrorists.

A good example of this positive change is the peaceful conduct of Lok Sabha polls so far. Security forces presented some recently nabbed LeT terrorists before the media who had crossed over with the intention of spreading mayhem.

They had received training in Pakistan. Meanwhile, sources revealed that at least 10 terrorists, who had crossed over to Pakistan and set up businesses across the border with active aid of the ISI were involved in funnelling weapons, narcotics, fake currency to terrorists and funds to separatists in Jammu and Kashmir through the recently suspended cross-LoC trade.

Sources said that they belong to Jammu and Kashmir are either based in Islamabad and Rawalpindi in Pakistan or Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Last week, India indefinitely suspended trade across the Line of Control at two points in Jammu and Kashmir. Some reports were found which stated that arms, drugs, and counterfiet currency were being smuggled across the border via these trading points.