>Only 1 active militant in Srinagar
>26 youth brought back after joining militancy
>18 militants killed in 8 encounters in city this year
Abid Bashir
Srinagar, Oct 12: This year 180 militants of various outfits were killed this year in 75 anti-militancy operations while as 26 youth who had picked up arms were re-united with their families, Director General of Police J&K Dilbag Singh said on Monday.
Addressing a press conference at Police Control Room Srinagar, the DGP Singh said that 75 anti-militancy operations were conducted this year in which 180 militants were killed. “All the operations against militants conducted this year were clean and conducted in a professional manner barring one that of Batamaloo where a woman lost her life,” the J&K Police chief said.
Asked whether Lashkar and other militants are trying to set their foot again in Srinagar city given killing of Lashkar’s top commander and his aide in Barzulla gunfight, the DGP said that this year eight encounters took place in the city in which 18 militants including a top Hizbul Mujahideen commander were killed. “Whenever any militant outfit tries establish its base in Srinagar, we successfully corner the militant with the help of our intelligence and other sources,” the DGP said.
On how many militants are active in Srinagar, the DGP said at present only one militant is active in the city who is involved in a couple of attacks. “We will bring him to justice very soon,” the DGP Singh said.
About how many security forces personnel were killed this year, he said police lost its 19 men and CRPF 21. “Army lost 15 soldiers and majority of them were killed on the LoC,” the DGP said.
Replying to a query as to how many youth were brought back after joining militancy this year, he said with the help of their parents and hardwork of police, 26 youth, who had joined militancy were reunited with their families. Asked whether police was sending the youth who shun militancy to outside J&K, the DGP said no youth has been sent out of UT. On whether there was any rehabilitation policy for the youth who quit militancy, he said: “Officially there is no policy as yet. When there would be one, details will be shared.” KNO