Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): Jammu and Kashmir experienced a modest rise in killings in the first seven months of 2024, with a total of 68 reported deaths. This figure marks a slight increase from 62 during the same period last year but remains substantially lower than in previous years, according to Jammu and Kashmir police data.
In the initial seven months of 2024, the fatalities included 17 civilians, 17 security personnel, and 34 militants. This contrasts sharply with the most violent year in the past decade, 2019, when killings soared to 231, comprising 22 civilians, 74 security personnel, and 135 militants, the data reveals.
The data further shows that in 2018, the region recorded 218 killings by July, with the highest number of civilians (45) and militants (122) killed in any year since 2014. The year 2019 saw the highest number of security personnel casualties, with 74 deaths. In contrast, 2023 marked the most peaceful period with the lowest total killings since 2014, recording 62 deaths. This included 9 civilians, 13 security personnel, and 38 militants, along with two unidentified persons.
A year-by-year breakdown of the data indicates fluctuating levels of violence over the past decade in Jammu and Kashmir.
In 2014, there were 82 total killings, which included 11 civilians, 17 security personnel, and 54 militants. The following year, 2015, saw a slight increase to 84 total killings, with 13 civilians, 19 security personnel, and 52 militants killed.
The year 2016 marked a sharp rise in violence, with 133 total killings, including 7 civilians, 34 security personnel, and 92 militants. The trend continued upwards in 2017, with a total of 191 killings, comprising 33 civilians, 41 security personnel, and 117 militants.
Violence peaked in 2018, with 218 total killings—45 civilians, 51 security personnel, and 122 militants. The most violent year was 2019, with a total of 231 killings, including 22 civilians, 74 security personnel, and 135 militants.
In 2020, the number of total killings decreased to 205, with 17 civilians, 34 security personnel, and 154 militants killed. The following year, 2021, saw a further reduction to 138 total killings, which included 13 civilians, 20 security personnel, and 105 militants.
The trend towards reduced violence continued in 2022, with 177 total killings, comprising 20 civilians, 22 security personnel, and 135 militants. However, 2023 marked a significant drop to 62 total killings, including 9 civilians, 13 security personnel, 38 militants, and 2 unidentified persons.
Speaking about the situation in J&K, a senior police officer said, "Despite the fluctuations, the overall trend points towards a reduction in violence in Jammu and Kashmir. The highest number of killings within this period was recorded in 2019, while the lowest was in 2023. This year's figures, while slightly higher than last year, continue to reflect a significant decrease in militant activities and resultant casualties compared to the mid-2010s."
The official further noted, "There is definitely a change in both tactics and patterns of militant operations in J&K. Earlier, militants had adopted a hybrid militant system, but security forces were able to counter that. They have now shifted their focus towards the Jammu region, but they will not be successful in their attempts."
DATA AND HIGHLIGHTS
* Year with Most Casualties (First Seven Months)
Civilian Casualties: Highest in 2018 with 45 civilians killed.
Security Forces Casualties: Highest in 2019 with 74 security forces killed.
Militant Casualties: Highest in 2020 with 154 militants killed.
Total Killings: Highest in 2019 with 231 total killings.
* Year with Least Casualties (First Seven Months)
Civilian Casualties: Least in 2016 with 7 civilians killed.
Security Forces Casualties: Least in 2024 with 17 security forces killed.
Militant Casualties: Least in 2023 with 38 militants killed.
Total Killings: Least in 2023 with 62 total killings.
Year wise data
Year - 2014 (till July 31)
Civilians killed - 11
Security forces killed - 17
Militants killed - 54
unidentified persons killed - 0
total killings - 82
Year - 2015 (till July 31)
Civilians killed - 13
Security forces killed - 19
Militants killed - 52
unidentified persons killed - 0
total killings - 84
Year - 2016 (till July 31)
Civilians killed - 7
Security forces killed - 34
Militants killed - 92
unidentified persons killed - 0
total killings - 133
Year - 2017 (till July 31)
Civilians killed - 33
Security forces killed - 41
Militants killed - 117
unidentified persons killed - 0
total killings - 191
Year - 2018 (till July 31)
Civilians killed - 45
Security forces killed - 51
Militants killed - 122
unidentified persons killed - 0
total killings - 218
Year - 2019 (till July 31)
Civilians killed - 22
Security forces killed - 74
Militants killed - 135
unidentified persons killed - 0
total killings - 231
Year - 2020 (till July 31)
Civilians killed - 17
Security forces killed - 34
Militants killed - 154
unidentified persons killed - 0
total killings - 205
Year - 2021 (till July 31)
Civilians killed - 13
Security forces killed - 20
Militants killed - 105
unidentified persons killed - 0
total killings - 138
Year - 2022 (till July 31)
Civilians killed - 20
Security forces killed - 22
Militants killed - 135
unidentified persons killed - 0
total killings - 177
Year - 2023 (till July 31)
Civilians killed - 9
Security forces killed - 13
Militants killed - 38
unidentified persons killed - 2
total killings - 62
Year - 2024 (till July 31)
Civilians killed - 17
Security forces killed - 17
Militants killed - 34
unidentified persons killed - 0
total killings - 68
