All through the month of this January, in all 31 days, there were only three fatalities due to terrorism-related violence in Jammu & Kashmir. One encounter had taken place some days ago in Poonch district of the Jammu region where two terrorists attempting to infiltrate were killed. Barely a week before that, an encounter took place in Sopore area of Kashmir, leading to the martyrdom of a soldier.
This is being attributed due to heightened vigil by the security forces and improved intelligence network all over the Union Territory (UT). An official said that this number of casualties was the lowest in past two decades. In January 2024 also, three killings were recorded, with two security forces personnel and one terrorist getting killed.
The official data compiled over the years revealed that the number of killings in January varied significantly. In January 2023, the total number of killings was 11, which included seven civilians, four terrorists and no personnel of the security forces. In January 2022, at least two dozen people were killed, all of whom were terrorists, with no reported civilian casualties. The security forces had then suffered two fatalities.
A year earlier, in January 2021, there were 11 killings, including that of 10 terrorists and one soldier, with no civilian deaths. In January 2020, the number of killings stood at 26 among whom 22 were terrorists and four security forces personnel.
An analysis of the official data pertaining to last five years shows that there was not a single civilian death in the month of January all these years. In 2019 and 2018, there were similar trends noted in the number of fatalities, with terrorists and security forces personnel among the casualties, but relatively very few civilian deaths.
This significant reduction in the number of civilians has happened because the terrorists have been pushed out to remote regions with area dominance by security forces in most urban centres, the official added. Ever since 2017, a clear pattern is discernible that the killings of terrorists remained high over the years. On the other hand, deaths of civilians and security forces personnel has gone down during this period.
In 2017, there were 16 reported terror related killings throughout J&K. But the number of deaths recorded in 2016 stood at six, 15 in 2015 and eight in 2014. It bears mention here that the month of January is usually the period of most intense cold in Kashmir and higher reaches of the Jammu province.
Meanwhile, a security official stated that heightened security vigilance in J&K has contributed to maintaining law and order stability. He also stated that the Union Home Ministry has passed clear instructions to prevent any civilian or security forces personnel killings. Additionally, the MHA has ordered large-scale operations against terrorists.
In a recent high-level meeting, Union Home Minister Amit Shah instructed all security agencies to work together in a coordinated effort to eliminate terrorism in the UT. He emphasised the urgent implementation of the Area Domination Plan and Zero Terror Plan. “The Union Home Minister assured that all necessary resources would be made available to security agencies in J&K to achieve a terror-free region,” he added.
Another official stated that there is a strict vigil along the Line of Control across Jammu & Kashmir. “Terrorists attempting to disrupt peace by crossing into this side are being eliminated. Our border security grid is conducting round-the-clock patrols, closely monitoring everything, leaving no room for any lapses in security,” he added.
The official further said that the latest technology is being deployed along the borders, including CCTV surveillance, drone jammers, and other advanced equipment. These technological measures are enhancing border security, ensuring real-time monitoring and quick response to any potential threats.
