Situation in J&K has improved: Defence ministry

The defence ministry has expressed satisfaction at the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir improving substantially but warned that the planned withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan may have an adverse impact on the situation in the militancy-riven state.

"The separatists and anti-national elements continue in their efforts to disrupt the prevailing calm in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the situation in the state has substantially improved on account of the effective operations of the Army, the CAPF (Central Armed Police Force) and the state government," the ministry said in its annual report released Wednesday.

The report said effective counter-terrorism operations by the army and other security forces have resulted in the elimination of a number of hardcore terrorists in 2013 and 2014.

"(However) Various factors, including the likely effects of the drawdown of international forces in Afghanistan, may have an impact on the future situation in Jammu and Kashmir," the report said.

Regarding the country's northeast region, the report said the situation there was stable and violence levels had declined substantially. Over 47 militant groups were presently in ceasefire, suspension of operation and talks, "creating a conducive atmosphere for implementation of conflict resolution measures".