More than 250 militants active in Valley: Army

Srinagar, June 25

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Srinagar-based 15 Corps Lt General AK Bhatt has put the number of militants active in Kashmir valley between 250 and 275. He said counter-insurgency operations had been resumed in the Valley as they were prior to the Ramzan ceasefire.

The Army commander said 250 to 275 militants were operating in Kashmir valley and a near similar number of militants was at launching pads across the Line of Control.

“There are around 250 to 275 militants in the Valley and there are 250 to 270 militants facing the area of the 15 Corps. They are in groups of 20 to 25 at different launching pads,” he said on the sidelines of a function in Baramulla district.

He said the operations against militants had been resumed as they were prior to the ceasefire. “Our operations are continuing like they were before Ramzan. The Army’s job is to bring safety and peace,” Lt Gen Bhatt said.

In response to a question about the killing of four militants in Anantnag district last week who were linked to a local group inspired or affiliated to the Islamic State, the Army commander said it was a small group and now its fewer elements were left. “It was a small group with the name of ISJK … IS group has not much footprint here,” he said. 

He said fewer militants were present in north Kashmir compared to south Kashmir where a bulk of them were concentrated and which had witnessed frequent gunfights in recent months. “As compared to south, north has less militants and the atmosphere here is better. For that, I thank the people and youth of north Kashmir,” he said.

Lt Gen Bhatt said there was a possibility that elite commandos from the National Security Guard would operate along with the police in Srinagar district. — TNS