Six Terrorists Neutralised in Twin Kashmir Operations
Security forces achieved a significant success in Jammu and Kashmir, neutralising six terrorists in two distinct anti-terror operations conducted in the Kelar and Tral areas. Major General Dhananjay Joshi, GOC Victor Force, provided details of the successful encounters. This highlights the ongoing efforts to counter militancy and ensure security in the region, reflecting the persistent challenges and the security forces' proactive measures to maintain peace.
Unpacked:
Security forces acted on specific intelligence inputs indicating the presence of terrorist groups in the higher reaches of Kelar and a border village in Tral. This led to two coordinated operations by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF, resulting in the neutralisation of six terrorists within 48 hours.
Militancy in Jammu and Kashmir has significantly declined. In 2024, only seven local youths joined terrorist organizations, compared to 132 in 2019. Terror incidents and casualties among civilians and security forces have also decreased sharply, reflecting more effective counterinsurgency operations and reduced recruitment by militant groups.
While specific identities of the terrorists neutralised in the Kelar and Tral operations have not been disclosed, recent trends indicate that many neutralised militants belong to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), which remain active in the region.
Security operations have contributed to a marked decline in civilian deaths, particularly since 2020. However, sporadic violence persists, and residents still face insecurity. While the reduction in fatalities reflects improved security, the underlying fragility and potential for violence remain concerns for the local population.