Jammu, 30-12-2023: Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain, in a resolute declaration, emphasized the unwavering commitment of security agencies to eradicate terrorism from the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. Operating from concealed hideouts deep within forests, terrorists receive limited support from a select group of locals, according to the police chief’s revelations at the annual press conference.
Acknowledging the security situation in the Rajouri-Poonch belt, DGP Swain refrained from disclosing specific strategies publicly. However, he underscored the prevalence of foreign terrorists, mainly with support from a handful of individuals within the territory. Despite the challenges posed by these limited supporters, who often evade identification by residing in forest hideouts, Swain assured that security forces are deploying their full strength and resources to counteract these threats.
In a detailed overview, the DGP highlighted the successful clearance of the region from terrorists and a period of peace between 1997 and 2003-04. The year under review witnessed significant achievements, including the neutralization of 76 terrorists, comprising 55 foreigners, and the arrest of 291 terrorist associates. Additionally, 201 Over Ground Workers (OGWs) were booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA), contributing to a substantial decline in local terror recruitment, which plummeted by 80 percent.
In the realm of anti-terrorism operations, Swain reported the identification of only 31 local terrorists, with a remarkable low of 22 recruits this year. This decline, he asserted, potentially saved 113 lives from the cycle of violence. Civilian killings by terrorists decreased from 31 to 14, and terror-related incidents recorded a 63 percent drop from 125 in 2022 to 46 in 2023. Furthermore, there was a 71 percent reduction in the martyrdom of security personnel.
The police chief highlighted the arrest of 291 terror associates, the busting of 89 terror modules, and the discovery of 18 terrorist hideouts. A total of 99 properties, valued at over Rs 170 crore, linked to terrorism and separatism were attached, including 57 by the State Investigation Agency. Stringent actions were also taken against 8,000 fake social media accounts operating from outside the country.
Swain noted a diminishing trend in strike calls and stone-pelting, attributing it to the common man’s silent endorsement of peace and development. He affirmed that society would not be held hostage by a few sections, and decisive actions against such elements were inevitable.
The overall security environment in Jammu and Kashmir showcased improvement, enabling the successful conduct of significant events. These include a three-day national conference on legal services, a G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar, the Amarnath Yatra, and the Muharram procession after a gap of 34 years, alongside the Bharat Jodo Yatra of the Congress.
Shifting the focus to counter-narcotics efforts, Swain reported the booking of 250 narcotic smugglers under the PSA, with 15 cases of narco-terrorism surfacing during the year. The police, collaborating with agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Interpol, aimed to take legal action against masterminds in foreign countries, including Turkey.
A detailed breakdown of narcotic seizures included 297 kg heroin, 330 kg charas, 63 kg brown sugar, 6,557 kg poppy straw, 118 kg ganja, and 118 kg opium. A total of Rs 10.90 crore in cash was also seized. The investigation into narcotic cases reached new heights in 2023, with the State Investigation Agency (SIA) taking over major probes. Noteworthy arrests included 19 individuals from Kashmir, Jammu, and Punjab, exposing a network controlled by a person situated in Turkey, Paris, and sometimes in Canada.
Swain highlighted the arrest of two Punjab-based narcotic smugglers with drugs worth over Rs 300 crore in October. The mastermind behind the smuggling attempt was traced to Turkey, emphasizing the global dimensions of such criminal activities.
Concluding his comprehensive report, the DGP addressed the issue of under-reported cybercrime, emphasizing its impact on a larger number of citizens than reported.
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