New Delhi: Since the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir on 5 August last year, at least 71 civilians and 74 security personnel have lost their lives in terror-related incidents and ceasefire violations, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed Rajya Sabha Wednesday.
Answering a series of questions on the Union Territory, Minister of State for Home Affairs G. Kishan Reddy said that 45 civilians were killed in terror-related incidents and 26 lost their lives in ceasefire violations.
Similarly, 49 security personnel were killed in terror incidents while 25 died in incidents of ceasefire violation.
When Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Shreyams Kumar sought information on the number of terror incidents that J&K has witnessed, Reddy noted that these incidents have reduced significantly in the Union Territory.
Quoting statistics, Reddy said that before 5 August 2019, 455 terror incidents had taken place in the Valley that year and only 211 were reported after that.
“No major terror attack took place in the hinterland of the country during the period from 5 August 2019 to 9 September 2020,” Reddy replied.
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‘Zero tolerance for terrorism’
While answering questions posed by Congress leader Kumar Ketkar on the policy measures taken to strengthen security in J&K, Reddy said that the Modi government adopted a “policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and has taken various measures, such as strengthening of security apparatus”.
“We have adopted a policy of strict enforcement of law against anti-national elements, intensified cordon and search operations to effectively deal with the challenges posed by the terrorist organisations,” Reddy said in his reply.
“While keeping a close watch on persons who attempt to provide support to terrorists and initiating action against them, other steps by Law enforcing agencies include enhanced interaction between police and public at various levels, and sharing of intelligence inputs on real time basis amongst all security forces operating in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
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Development in J&K
When asked about steps taken to “restore peace in Kashmir”, Reddy cited several packages announced for overall development for the benefit of Jammu and Kashmir.
“In order to bring about overall development for the benefit of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister had also announced a package of Rs 80,068 crore under PMDP-2015,” Reddy stated.
“This package consists of 63 major development projects in road sector, power generation and transmission, health infrastructure, establishment of two AIIMS, IITs, IIMs and tourism related projects etc,” he noted.
These projects, Reddy stated were at various stages of implementation.
“Training and employment opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are also provided under many schemes such as HIMAYAT and PMKVY,” he replied.
Under the HIMAYAT scheme, 15,142 candidates have been imparted job-oriented training in information technology, sales and customer service, and hospitality. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKY) is the Narendra Modi government’s flagship skill training scheme.
“In order to mainstream the youth, special emphasis is being given to ‘Watan Ko Jano’ program, student exchange program, sports as well as civic action program of CAPFs,” he added.
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