Number of militants on all-time low in Jammu and Kashmir, says DGP

Militancy has not ended in Jammu and Kashmir yet, but it is on the wane as the number of ultras has declined to an all-time low, Director General of Police Dilbag Singh said on Thursday.

Singh made the statement while speaking to reporters in north Kashmir's Bandipora district.

"The militancy in J-K is not over, but it is ending. The number of militants whether locals or Pakistani terrorists, is at an all-time low," he said.

The DGP said the local youth who were pushed towards militancy, have now returned to the mainstream after leaving that path.

"The youth have understood that it (militancy) is the path of destruction. Today, they have many avenues in sports and education among other options. Many youths have taken the right path and are working towards their careers, lives and families.

"I am happy that the police and the security forces have brought terrorism under control to a larger extent and action is on to end the remnants of terror," he added. Answering a question on drone droppings, Singh said the security forces have taken many counter-measures on the ground to stop such incidents.

"They (drones) bring in drugs, AK47 rifles, pistols, grenades and IEDs from Pakistan. We successfully intercept them. Hundreds of such weapons have been seized, quintals of drugs have also been seized, and police and security forces have achieved many successes on that front.

"The drone activity has decreased, but it is still on. Our endeavour is to stop such smuggling and action is being taken," he added.

The DGP said the police have launched a special drive against drugs in every range and district of the union territory, adding that action is being taken against those involved in the narcotics trade.

"We have achieved many successes at the borders where drugs are dumped. Then the drugs are transported to various places in J-K, Punjab and other places. We have busted many such big cartels," he said.

When asked about the J-K Waqf Boards' decision to hold Eid congregational prayers at the historic Eidgah this year, Singh said the divisional administration of the Kashmir valley would take a call on that.

"Everything has to be balanced here. Generally, there is no law and order problem in Srinagar and there have been no such reports in other districts as well. The last year went off peacefully. This year, so far, has also been totally peaceful," he said.

Singh expressed gratitude to the people of the valley for understanding the "conspiracies of Pakistan, its agencies, organisations and pro-Pakistan persons who used to instigate people here for stone-pelting and made them fodder for their personal and other benefits".