Active terrorists in single digit, but hybrid ones still pose challenge

For the first time in recent years, the number of active local militants in Kashmir has dropped to single digit, with less than 10 militants remaining active in the region, officials have confirmed to The Tribune. This significant reduction follows two major anti-militancy operations this week.

A senior official revealed that the number of active local militants in the Valley is now believed to be around eight, mainly concentrated in different areas of South Kashmir. The dip has been attributed to several factors, including a sharp decline in the number of locals joining militant ranks in recent times.

“Over the past few years, the number of local youth taking up arms has drastically decreased,” the official said, noting that a sustained crackdown on the terror has played a crucial role in preventing youth from joining militant groups.

However, around 40-50 foreign ultras are active in Valley.

Sources said despite dip in the number of local militants, hybrid ones still pose a threat. Earlier, they used to post their pictures on social media, but not anymore. The police have coined the term, “hybrid militants”, as officials have no record of them. “We still don’t know how many hybrid terrorists there are. We are dealing with an invisible enemy here,” said a counter insurgency officer.