Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Dec 21: The momentous decision on August 5, 2019, marked a drastic decline in terror activities in the Valley. A significant decrease in both the recruitment of locals into militancy and the killing of terrorists in 2024, compared to previous years, is another outcome of the abrogation of Article 370. Stone pelting, strike calls by separatists, and violent street protests have almost vanished in the last five years.
Official sources revealed, for the past five years, security forces, adhering to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, have conducted a series of searches and raids across Jammu and Kashmir, arresting over a thousand suspects and Over Ground Workers (OGWs), while seizing weapons, cash, electronic devices, and documents.
The official sources stated that these raids are intended to identify, track, and apprehend Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and other terror suspects involved in providing support to terrorist outfits, including managing logistics, recruitment, and facilitating the movement of arms, ammunition, and funds.
He mentioned that around 1,517 terror suspects and associates were arrested in the past five years, while the number stood at 454 in the pre-abrogation era.
He indicated that it is quite evident how security forces are working under the policy of zero tolerance to ensure that the union territory is safe for its residents and to protect it from the enemies of the nation.
The official stated that while terrorism in Kashmir is waning, Pakistan is still attempting to sustain instability in the Union Territory (UT) by infiltrating foreign terrorists into the mountainous areas.
Official reports indicate that Pakistan is determined to keep the conflict alive; however, the alert soldiers posted along the line of control and at all borders in Kashmir, as well as in the Jammu region, have been very active in tackling all challenges to safeguard the people of the UT.
The dedication, efforts, and alertness of the soldiers have proven fruitful and have caused significant difficulties for enemies attempting to infiltrate this side, the official said.
Official sources further stated that the past five years have also seen fewer terrorists from across the border successfully entering India, primarily due to tighter control over the border and the line of control. The number of foreign terrorists killed in the past five years was 156, compared to 469 in the previous five years. (Kashmir Despatch)
