Incidents of terrorism significantly reduced in J&K: Centre tells Rajya Sabha

Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy shared a comparative data relating to terrorist incidents in J&K.

He said that between from July 7, 2018 and August 4, 2019 (393 days), the number of terrorist incidents was 443 and the cases of stone pelting were 703. But between August 5, 2019 to August 31, 2020 (393 days), the number of terrorist incidents was only 206 and 310 cases of stone pelting were reported.

''Civilians killed in terrorist incidents during the two periods stood at 54 and 45, respectively and in case of Security forces martyred in terrorist incidents reduced from 125 to 49,'' added the Minister.

He said the Government has adopted ''a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism'' and taken various measures, such as strengthening of security apparatus, strict enforcement of law against anti-national elements, intensified cordon and search operations to effectively deal with the challenges posed by the terrorist organisations.

While keeping a close watch on persons who attempt to provide support to terrorists, the security agencies have initiated action against them, Reddy said, adding that steps have also been taken to enhance interaction between the police and public at various levels.

''In order to bring about overall development for the benefit of people in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister had also announced a package of Rs 80,068 crore under the PMDP-2015. This package consists of 63 major development projects in sectors like Road, Power Generation & Transmission, Health Infrastructure, establishment of 2 AIIMS, IITs, IIMs and Tourism,'' said the Minister.