First Time Since 2000, More Kashmiri Militants Killed Than Non-Locals: Report

Srinagar: For the first time since 2000, the number of Kashmiri militants killed in 2018 was considerably higher than the number of non-locals shot dead by the government forces, a media report said today.

Quoting J&K Police figures, Indian Express reported that 150 local residents were among 246 militants killed in gunfights with the forces in 2018. 90 non-local militants were among the slain, it said.

“Over the last three years, the total number of militants killed, both local and foreign, climbed from 130 in 2016 to 200 in 2017 and 240 in 2018,” said the report. In the first 46 days of 2019, 31 militants have been killed in Kashmir.

In 2017, 80 local militants were killed, and 120 foreigners. In 2016, 30 local and 100 foreign militants were killed in Kashmir.

A senior J&K police officer told The Indian Express that the lowest number of active militants across Kashmir was in 2013, at 78 militants. At present, the number of active militants is estimated to be around 250. (GK)