70% Drop in Terror Incidents in Jammu and Kashmir Since 2019, Says Home Ministry to Parliamentary Panel
NEW DELHI, Nov 13: Jammu and Kashmir has seen a significant reduction in terror-related incidents—over 70%—since the Narendra Modi-led government’s reorganization of the state into Union territories in 2019, according to a presentation by the Union Home Ministry to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan provided a detailed report to the committee, underscoring both achievements and ongoing security challenges in the region, particularly from militant groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.
The presentation by Mohan highlighted the impact of the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which removed special status from Jammu and Kashmir. This reorganization allowed for direct control over law and order by the central government, and since then, a steady decrease in terror activity has been observed. Civilian security remains a top priority for the Modi government, the Home Ministry emphasized, with security agencies and local administrations focused on curbing violence and strengthening stability.
A comparative analysis presented to the panel highlighted significant changes in terror-related civilian casualties. In 2019, 50 civilians lost their lives in terror incidents, while the number has decreased to 14 as of 2024. Attacks on civilians also dropped from 73 incidents in 2019 to just 10 this year. Notably, in 2023, only five civilians were killed in terror attacks—a stark contrast to prior years.
The Home Ministry shared insights into its Vision @2047 (2024-2029), which outlines a strategic plan for a safe and prosperous India with robust internal security and a transparent criminal justice system. Part of this vision for Jammu and Kashmir includes dismantling terrorist support networks, cutting off terror financing, and prosecuting anti-national elements.
Data from the Home Ministry revealed that Jammu and Kashmir recorded 286 terror-related incidents in 2019. This figure plummeted to just 40 incidents by November 2024. Attacks on security forces have also declined, from 96 incidents in 2019 to only five so far this year, after peaking in 2020 with 111 attacks.
Casualty statistics for security personnel show a downward trend as well: 77 personnel were killed in 2019, but by 2024, the number has dropped to seven. Similarly, infiltration attempts by terrorists have decreased from 141 in 2019 to only three this year, though the number of terrorists eliminated has also seen a drop, from 142 in 2019 to 44 so far in 2024.
The Home Ministry also addressed security challenges in other regions. On Naxal violence, civilian and security casualties have fallen sharply from 310 in 2014 to 61 in 2022. In the Northeast, casualties among civilians and security personnel dropped from 232 in 2014 to just eight in 2022.
Addressing the rising threat of narcotics, the Home Ministry highlighted the expanded capacity of the Narcotics Control Bureau and increased surveillance of consignments at ports to prevent smuggling. Additionally, the ministry outlined measures to combat cybercrime, with plans for regional cyber forensic labs, cybersecurity teams within state police, and cyber hygiene training to create a secure digital ecosystem across India.
With these focused strategies and decreasing trends in terror-related violence, the Union Home Ministry’s report signals progress in creating a more secure environment in Jammu and Kashmir and other sensitive regions, while also underscoring the government’s commitment to eliminating terror and enhancing civilian safety.
