Kashmir Conflict Claims 45,000 Lives Over Three Decades: DGP R R Swain

Srinagar: Director General of Police (DGP) R R Swain said that 45,000 people have lost their lives in the 30-year conflict in Jammu and Kashmir.

"23,000 terrorists have been killed to date. Additionally, 6,000 police and security forces personnel have died in the line of duty, and 12,000 civilians, including those labelled as informers, were killed by terrorists," said DGP Swain.

In response to a query about whether terrorists are using traditional or new routes to infiltrate into J&K, the DGP stated that local terrorist recruitment is at an all-time low.

"Our youth are not joining terrorism. Local recruitment is lower than it was in 2013. However, terror camps and factories across the border are still active," he said.

Swain emphasized that the new criminal laws provide a balanced framework to enforce the rule of law, ensuring both public and national security.

He described the laws as a significant step toward enhancing law enforcement and maintaining integrity.

"These laws enable us to enforce the rule of law more effectively while preserving public security, national security, and national integrity," he said.

"The last 30 years of conflict have claimed 45,000 lives," Swain said noting that the toll includes police personnel, civilians, and terrorists.

He further informed about the murders within enemy ranks and the targeting of journalists.

Addressing concerns about local  terrorist  recruitment, he said  "It is at an all-time low, with fewer local youths joining terrorist ranks compared to 2013,".

However, he acknowledged the continued activity of terror camps and factories across the border.

However, J&K police chief emphasized that the people are the police force's greatest strength.

"The foreign terrorists infiltrating this region aim to communalize the situation in Jammu. They tried same  in Dhangri (Jammu region) but the people  recognized it as a terror act, not a Hindu versus Muslim issue," he said.

"We are equipped with public trust, the latest weapons, and the full support of the Government of India in combating terrorism," he added.

Meanwhile, amid terror-related incidents in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, police are recruiting Special Police Officers (SPOs) from 22 villages severely affected by terrorism in the area.

The initiative follows the recent announcement by DGP R R Swain that village defense groups and SPOs will be reinforced in Jammu and Kashmir.