300 militants still active in JK: MHA tells lok sabha

New Delhi: The MHA said there have been 1,213 incidents of terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir since 2014 till December 21, 2018. It said 183 civilians lost their lives and 838 militants were neutralized during this time.
The MHA said that six militancy related incidents were reported during this period in other parts of the country in which 11 civilians lost their lives and 7 militants were killed. MHA data shows terror attacks have decreased post demonetisation.
It said the number of terror incidents for 2017 and 2018 were 1558 and 1622 respectively as compared to the corresponding figures of 2015 and 2016 which are 1872 and 1855.
The MHA told lok sabha that over 30,000 people belonging to minority communities like Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians and Jains from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan etc. were staying in India on long-term visas. The number of e-visas issued to nationals of various countries since the scheme’s in November, 2014 was 60,92,142.
The lok sabha was told that foreign exchange earned via the inflow of tourists increased from $19.7 billion in 2014 to $27.31 billion in 2017. During 2018, foreign exchange earned was estimated to be $25.838 billion up to November.
In a written reply, the MoS for Home Hansraj Ahir told lok sabha that the e-visa scheme is available for nationals of 166 countries. Ahir said that the visa on arrival facility is available to nationals of Japan and South Korea.
The MHA also said that:
• 253 militants were killed and 17 arrested till Dec 28, 2018.
• 213 militants killed, 18 arrested in 2017.
• 150 militants killed, 24 arrested in 2016.
• 108 militants killed, 10 arrested in 2015.
Ahir said the government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and that security forces respond effectively to counter terror activities.
Lok sabha was informed about four ceasefire violations that took place over the last three years.
MHA said the number of infiltration attempts from across the border into Jammu and Kashmir during 2017 and 2018 were 419 and 302 respectively.