‘170 youth joined militant ranks, 119 were either killed or arrested’
Srinagar: As many as 209 militants including top commanders were killed in 88 military operations in the year 2020 in Kashmir valley, Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar said on Thursday.
Talking to a local news agency GNS, the top police officer of Kashmir also said that around 170 youth joined militant ranks in the Valley and among them, 119 were either killed or arrested.
Also, the IGP said there were 142 “law and order” incidents in the Valley in which 31 civilians, three paramilitary men and 112 police personnel were injured.
“Among the 209 slain militants, includes operation chief of JeM (Qari Yasir—Foreigner), LeT (Haider—Foreigner), HM (Reyaz Naikoo, later on, Dr Saifullah ) and AuGH ( Burhan Koka),” he said, adding, “Two dozen district commanders, IED experts, communication experts etc were also killed in different encounters.”
The IGP said 12 militants also surrendered during live operations while 57 others were arrested along with 626 over ground workers (OGWs).
“210 automatic rifles, 230 pistols, 215 grenades and seven IEDs were recovered,” he said.
Asked about the number of youth who joined youth the militant ranks during the year, he said: “167-170 new recruitment took place out of which 73 were killed in operations, 46 were arrested and rest are still active.”
Besides, he said, more than three dozen youths were brought back with the proactive support of their families. “Parents have been showing great trust in JK police.”
Regarding civilian casualties, he said that two died in cross-firing during operation as “collateral damage” and 37 others were killed in militancy-related incidents.
To a question regarding casualties suffered by police and other forces personnel during 2020, he said 14 policemen, 23 CAPFs and 21 Army personnel were killed in militant incidents and operations.
“Our new management of funerals and burials of killed militants has saved thousands of people from COVID,” he said, adding, “We have been maintaining the sanctity of religious places during anti-militancy operations.”
Referring to the fight against the drug menace, he said, 620 FIRs were arrested and 977 arrests made. “Rs 1.44 Cr cash recovery was made while 36 kg Heroine, 240kg charas, 50kg brown sugar and others such material was seized. Several modules of “narco-terrorism” were also busted,” he added.
(Syndicated feed from GNS)
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