Militant recruitment non-existent, local militants now in single digits in JK: Army Chief

Says Operation Sindoor is ongoing

Srinagar: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said that militant recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir is almost non-existent and that local militants are now in single digits, indicating a positive change in the Union Territory.

Speaking to reporters during his first press conference of 2026, General Dwivedi said that since May 10 last year, the situation along the Western Front and J&K has remained sensitive but firmly under control.

He said that in 2025, 31 terrorists were eliminated, of which 65% were Pakistan origin, including the three perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack who were neutralised in Operation Mahadev.

“Active local terrorists are now in single digits. Terrorist recruitment is almost non-existent, with only 2 in 2025. Clear indicators of positive change in J&K include robust development activity, revival of tourism and peaceful Amarnath Yatra, which saw more than 4 lakh pilgrims exceeding the five-year average. The theme of terrorism to tourism is gradually taking shape,” he said

He also said that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, and a future misadventure will be resolutely responded to. “I must acknowledge the proactive role of all stakeholders at the national level, including CAPFs, intelligence agencies, civic bodies, state administration and other ministries,” he said.

He added that Operation Sindoor was the “best example of tri-service synergy under a clear-cut political directive and full freedom to act or respond”.

He said the army successfully destroyed seven out of the nine targets and that it was ready for a ground offensive. (KNO)