Pakistani terrorists becoming active in Kashmir

With militant numbers dwindling fast and recruitment of local youth into militancy on a decline in Kashmir, Pakistani terrorists, who were lying low for the past few years have become active, sources told.

As against 13-14 local youth joining militancy in January and February last year in south Kashmir, four locals have been recruited in the same period this year.

South Kashmir, which comprises four districts of Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag and Kulgam, often referred to as the hotbed of new-age militancy in the valley, had around 140-150 militants operating over the last five years at any given point of time. Now, there are only over 70 left in the region, according to the list maintained by security forces.

The situation in north Kashmir districts of Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora which shares the Line of Control with Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir too has seen improvement with lesser recruitment of local youth into militancy ranks.

However, according to police and Army reports, a good number of Pakistani terrorists are operating in north Kashmir.

There had been a sustained increase in recruitment of local youth into militancy since 2016, when Burhan Wani was killed, which had led to large-scale protests that summer.

Source: Deccan Herald