September 03
For the first time in a decade, the number of listed militants in Jammu Kashmir has crossed 300.
For the past 10 years, the number of active militants hovered around 200 except in 2013 when only 78 militants were active in the Valley — this was the lowest figure since militancy erupted in the state in 1990.
The main reason for the high number of militants has been local recruitment since 2017.
As per records, 126 Valley youths picked up guns in 2017- which was the highest number since 2010 and this year over 135 have Joined the Militancy so far.
The report compiled by the JK Police in early August reveals that 327 militants are active of which 211 are locals and 116 are foreigners.
Of the listed militants, 181 are active in the volatile south Kashmir districts, which have been on the edge ever since the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani in July 2016.
In four districts of south Kashmir — Islamabad (Anantnag), Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian, there are 166 local militants.
According to reports, out of 129 militants active in north, 94 are foreigners and 35 are locals.
There are also 17 militants in central Kashmir’s districts of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal. These districts have at least nine local militants.