Kashmir situation improving as 2018 saw many positive trends: DGP Dilbagh

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police chief Dilbagh Singh and the General officer Commanding of 15 Corps Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon Wednesday made an announcement that situation in Kashmir was satisfactory as some positive trends witnessed in last year largely contributed towards peace building in Kashmir.
Addressing the joint press conference here, the Director General of Police 2018 was a “very successful year” as it started witnessing many positive trends.
“For me as the head of JK police, I feel happy that those positive trends were indicative of certain good things that happened in 2018,” the DGP said. He said local militant recruitment dipped down and it continues to be low, which is a good sign.
“272 militants were killed last year and a large number of militants were apprehended. A large number of youth who were somehow motivated to join militant ranks but we acted swiftly and prevented them from treading the wrong path,” the DGP said.
“Stone pelting and law and order situations came down to a drastic level. We appreciate people, especially youth for desisting from creating a law and order situation. We did face some law and order situation during encounters (last year), but that too has come down,” he said.
In 2018, the DGP said that 46 militants out of 272 militants killed, he said. “27 slain militants belonged to Jaish-e-Muhamad and 19 to Lashkar-e-Toiba. Our troops on ground have done a commendable job. This year, 69 militants were killed this year,” he said.
He said elections were being held in a peaceful manner and that three phases are already over. “There were minor incidents of law and order but by and large polling remained peaceful. We hope that remaining two phases will also pass on peacefully,” the DGP said.
In his speech, the GoC 15 Corps Dhillon said that this year 69 militants were killed and 12 apprehended. “41 militants were killed after Lethpora attack, of them, 25 belong to Jaish. Out of 25, 13 were foreigners. We have targeted Jaish leadership and today situation is like nobody is ready to take over the Jaish,” Dhillon said.
He said recruitment of local boys into militancy has gone down. “In the last few months, some surrenders have taken place silently. We assure the boys willing to surrender, complete security and safety,” GoC Dhillon said.