Neyaz Elahi
Srinagar, Dec 30, KNT: Over 200 human lives were lost in militancy related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir this year.
The data available with news agency Kashmir News Trust reveals that 170 militants were killed this year in different operations launched by combined forces including Army, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police.
At least 48 forces personnel including 25 soldiers (including those killed in cross border firing), 20 policemen and 3 troopers were killed in Jammu and Kashmir this year.
Among 36 civilians killed this year, 17 were killed by suspected militants, two died in alleged troopers firing while one civilian lost his life in a grenade attack that was carried out by militants in Barbar Shah area of Srinagar city.
Two civilians from Sopore town as per police were killed in a cross fire after a militant attack.
Suspected militants also resorted to political killings. Eight persons either they were political workers or their relatives were killed in Jammu and Kashmir. Suspected militants gunned down six non-local men in different parts of Valley.
A soldier also lost his life in a fratricidal incident in North Kashmir’s Kupwara this year.
Militants suffered highest number of casualties in July and the number was 31 followed by 25 in December.
January turned out peaceful month when only 3 militants and a soldier were killed while three soldiers lost life in cross border firing. Except January, February and September, militant casualties entered into double digits in every month.
In October, Army lost 12 members in different operations including the one launched in Bhat Durian Poonch. Six policemen were killed in December-the highest number in any month.
The data excludes Hyderpora Encounter which is being probed by Special Investigation Team. At least four persons including a foreign militant as per police were killed in the encounter. (KNT)
