Highest Militant, Civilian casualties in J&K this year: Union Minister Hansraj

As many as 203 militants, the highest in the past four years, were killed by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir this year and the number of civilians killed in “militancy-related violence” in the period was also the highest, the government of India informed the Parliament on Tuesday.
Union minister of state for home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha that 203 militants were killed in the state this year till December 10, as compared to 150 in the calendar year 2016, 108 in 2015 and 110 in 2014.
Talking about the number of civilians killed in “militancy-related violence” in the state, the minister said that while 37 of them were killed till December 10 this year, 15 were killed in calendar year 2016, 17 in 2015 and 28 in 2014.
Militancy-related incidents in the state till December 10 this year were also the highest at 335 as compared to 322 in calendar year 2016, 208 in 2015 and 222 in 2014, he added.
According to the data provided by the minister, while 75 security personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir till December 10 this year, 82 were killed in calendar year 2016, 39 in 2015 and 47 in 2014.
Replying to a question on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Ahir said that necessary directions were issued from time to time after reviewing the security situation of the state.
“In order to prevent the activities of militants, numerous steps have been taken, including strengthening of the operational grid with an enhanced human intelligence and use of technical intelligence grid,” he added.