115 civilians, 135 forces personnel killed in J&K since 2020: Centre

MoS Home says govt has zero tolerance against ‘terrorism, ‘Security situation has improved significantly in J&K’

Srinagar, Feb 07 : Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that from 2020 to January 2023, 115 civilians and 135 security forces have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir.

The minister, in a written reply, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said 37 civilian were killed and 61 were injured, while 62 security forces personnel were als killed and 106 injured in 2020.

“Similarly, year 2021 witnessed 41 civilian killing and 75 injuries while 42 security forces personnel lost their lives and 117 were injured. Year 2022 witnessed 30 civilian casualties and subsequently 134 were injured while 31 security forces personnel were killed and 87 injured.”

Till January 31 2023, he said 7 civilian were killed and 23 sustained injuries while no casualty or injury was reported from the security forces side.

He further said that the government has a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and the security situation has improved significantly in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Various measures have been taken by the Government to protect the lives of the civilians in Jammu and Kashmir which include the round-the-clock nakas at strategic points. Group security in the form of static guards. Intensified Cordon and Search Operations (CASO) to effectively deal with the challenges posed by terrorist organizations,” he said

“Sharing of intelligence inputs on a real-time basis, amongst all security forces, operating in Jammu and Kashmir. Day & night area domination, security arrangements through appropriate deployment.”

He said the measures also preventive operations involve identifying the strategic supporters of terrorism and initiating investigations to expose their mechanisms of aiding and abetting terrorism.

“Identifications of vulnerable spots to prevent terrorist attacks on civilians. Besides, sensitizing men on the ground about the issue and initiation of measures to defeat the machination of terrorists or their mentors,” he added.

He also said CRPF has imparted necessary training to 948 Village Defence Guard members in collaboration with District Police Rajouri from Jan 01 to Jan 25 this year—(KNO)