JK: Anti-militancy ops on rise; 98 militants killed this year

A total of 129 people were killed in 62 militancy-related incidents this year. Of these, 12 were civilians and 19 security forces personnel while 98 were militants, including the two killed today. Most of the killings have occurred in July this year; as many as 28 militants and three security forces personnel have been killed

Srinagar: The volatile Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a surge in anti-militancy operations in the last two months. As many as 53 people have lost their lives in militancy-related casualties in the region since June 1 this year. A senior police official told ETV Bharat that security forces were conducting operations only on "need basis".

"In wake of COVID-19, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a significant dip in militancy-related incidents. But, with the ease in restrictions since the first week of June, there is a surge in such incidents," the official said. "Around 40 such incidents took place in the region during the first five months of 2021 with April witnessing the maximum number of such incidents. In 52 days - from June 1 to July 22 - Jammu and Kashmir has has already recorded 34 militancy-related incidents," he said, adding, the security forces were conducting operations on "need basis and not on a massive basis."

An encounter at Sopore in Baramulla district is underway and two militants have been killed at the time this report was published.

"In April and May, operations were conducted on a need and emergency basis. Operations were not on hold. Militants and their relatives were under surveillance and when the need arose, operations were launched along with the army and the CRPF," he said.

A total of 129 people were killed in 62 militancy-related incidents this year. Of these, 12 were civilians and 19 security forces personnel while 98 were militants, including the two killed early on Friday. Most of the killings have occurred in July this year; 28 militants and three security forces personnel, including the killings today, were killed. June was the worst in terms of civilian killings. Six civilians, five security forces personnel and 13 militants were killed.

Interestingly, of the 62 incidents this year, 32 took place since May 1, a day after COVID-19 curfew was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir. Last year, 15 militants were killed in May, 48 in June and 20 in July. In the same period, eight civilians and 17 security forces personnel were also killed with June (53 deaths) being the bloodiest month of 2020.

In all, 321 people were killed last year, of which 232 were militants, 56 security forces personnel and 33 civilians, as per the government data.