Express satisfaction over the progress of anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh on Wednesday said that 23 militants have been killed in 10 operations while 40 Over Ground Workers (OGWs) have been arrested since January this year in the newly created Union Territory.
Meanwhile, reiterating appeal to militants to shun the path of violence and join mainstream, he said eight youth, who had joined militant ranks, have been brought back and reunited with their respective families in less than two months in the valley.
He further said that recruitment of youth in militant ranks has also come down drastically.
“In less than two month, 20 anti-militancy operations were conducted in J&K. Of this, 10 operations, including eight in Kashmir and two in Jammu, were successful. During the successful operations, 19 militants were killed in Kashmir and four were killed in Jammu,” Mr Singh informed reporters during a press conference.
He said another good thing about these operations was that there was no collateral damage to civilian population. “We are happy that no collateral damage happened and we are hopeful that we maintain this record in the future operations as well,” he said.
The DGP said normalizing of situation in the valley is also a good sign as shops and business establishments are open and traffic is plying on all roads. “It is our priority that the people enjoy normalcy. I would also like to thank people for cooperating with us in maintaining peace and normalcy in the valley,” he said, adding security forces are conducting themselves responsibly.
Giving details about security force action in the last about two months, he said various terror modules were also busted, including three youth, who had carried out grenade attack in Pratab Park. “Another group involved in grenade attacks was busted in Shergadi area in Srinagar,” he said.
“Before that five associates of Jash-e-Mohammad were also arrested along with arms and ammunition. A explosive jacket was also recovered from them following which a major suicide attack was averted around January 26 (Republic Day),” he said.
“So far since January, security forces have arrested 40 Over Ground Workers (OGWs), who were providing logistic and other support to the militants,” he added.
The SGP said eight youth who had joined militancy were also brought back to the mainstream and reunited with their families. “We were successful in bringing back eight youth who had joined militancy. The number of youth joining militancy has also decreased significantly, which is a good sign,” he added.
