Decline in Jammu and Kashmir terror activities: Indian govt tells Rajya Sabha

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her reply to the discussion on The Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bill, 2022, gave out figures on various parameters that determine the law and order situation in the Union Territory.

"There has been an overall decline in such activities that disturb peace. There has been a 33 per cent drop in infiltration (51 in 2020 versus 34 in 2021), 90 per cent decrease in incidents of ceasefire violations (937 in 2020 versus 98 in 2021), 61 per cent decline in terrorism related incidents. There has been an 80 per cent decline in abduction by terrorists (10 abductions in 2020 and 2 in 2021), 33 per cent decline in the incidents of martyrdom of security personnel (63 in 2020 versus 42 in 2021)," Sitharaman said.

The number of active terrorists was 222 in Jan 2021 which came down to 188 in Jan 2022, there was no incident of weapon snatching in 2021 and 2022 till now, she added.

"180 terrorists (148 locals and 32 being foreigners), including 44 top commanders were eliminated in 2021 and about 38 terrorists (28 locals and 10 foreigners) have been eliminated this year in 24 anti terrorist operations," Sitharaman said.

She said that there has been a 16 per cent decline in cases of terror recruitment (164 in 2020 and 138 in 2021).

Nirmala Sitharaman said that many of the unjust and discriminatory laws at the state level have also been removed following abrogation of Article 370 in the state.

"The various impediments for industrial development in the state have also been removed. The pace at which the activities for bringing investments and create job opportunities and also providing the political representation is going on," she said.

Sitharaman said that 100 per cent COVID vaccination for the eligible population has been achieved in Jammu and Kashmir.

( With UNI inputs)