Top commanders among 209 militants killed in Valley this year: IGP Kashmir

SRINAGAR — As many as 209 militants including top commanders were killed in 88 gunfights during 2020 in Kashmir Valley, Inspector General of Police, Vijay Kumar said on Thursday.

The top police officer of Kashmir also said that around 170 youth joined militant ranks in the Valley and among them, 119 were either killed or arrested.

Also, the IGP said there were 142 “law and order” incidents in the Valley in which 31 civilians, three paramilitary men and 112 police personnel were injured.

“209 militants were killed. Among them included operation chief of JeM (Qari Yasir—Foreigner), LeT (Haider—Foreigner), HM (Reyaz Naikoo, later on Dr Saifullah) and AuGH (Burhan Koka),” he said, adding, “Two dozen district commanders, IED experts, communication experts etc were also killed in different encounters.”

The IGP said 12 militants also surrendered during live encounters while 57 others were arrested along with 626 over ground workers (OGWs). “210 automatic rifles, 230 pistols, 215 grenades and seven IEDs were recovered,” he said.

Asked about the number of youth who joined the militant ranks during the year, he said: “167-170 new recruitments took place out of which 73 were killed in encounters, 46 were arrested and rest are still active.”

Besides, he said, more than three dozen youths were brought back with the proactive support of their families. “Parents have been showing great trust in J&K Police,” he said.

Regarding civilian casualties, he said that two died in cross-firing during encounters as “collateral damage” and 37 others were killed in militancy-related incidents.

To a question regarding casualties suffered by police and other security forces during 2020, he said, 14 policeman, 23 CAPFs and 21 Army personnel were killed in militant incidents and encounters.

“Our new management of funerals and burials of killed militants has saved thousands of people from COVID-19,” he said, adding, “We have been maintaining the sanctity of religious places during anti-militancy operations.”

Referring to the fight against the drug menace, he said, 620 FIRs were registered and 977 arrests were made.

“Rs 1.44 Cr cash recovery was made while 36 kg Heroine, 240 kg Charas, 50 kg brown sugar and other such material was seized. Several modules of narco-terrorism were also busted,” he added.