119 militants active in Kashmir,lowest in 20 years

Of the total 325,there are 168 local militants and 134 foreign nationals while the identity of the rest is yet to be ascertained. A chunk of the foreign militants are associated with the Lashkar.

Sources say the number of active militants,categorized as ‘A’,‘B’ and ‘C’,respectively — as per “strategic and tactical importance” — is 119.

Despite setbacks,Hizbul Mujahideen is the largest militant outfit operating in Kashmir with 143 active cadres,including 15 foreign militants.

The Hizb is followed by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba with 92 militants in the Valley. The Hizb and Lashkar together share 72 per cent of the militant base in the Valley. No Harkat-ul-Ansar militant is present in Kashmir.

According to the report,there are 200 militants — both active and passive — in the three districts of Kupwara,Baramulla and Bandipore. Kupwara has the highest number of militants at 87,including 56 foreign nationals.

Kupwara is seen a launch pad for militants because of its proximity to the Line of Control.

Kupwara is followed by Baramulla where the number of militants,both “active” as well as “passive”,is 73.

In Baramulla district,majority of the militants are stationed in Sopore — a militant stronghold. There are 40 militants present in Bandipore.

Central Kashmir — comprising Srinagar,Budgam and Ganderbal districts — has the lowest presence of militants in any police range.

Though the police have declared Srinagar city as free of militants,14 militants are present in the periphery.

Ten militants are active in Budgam district while 16 are roaming around in Ganderbal. In the four districts of south Kashmir,85 militants,including 16 foreign nationals,are active. Only 13 militants are present in Shopian,once a militant hotbed.

In the South,36 militants are present in Pulwama while 23 are active in Anantag. There are 13 militants each in Kulgam and Shopian districts,the document says. No senior police officer was available for comments.