The Indian Army on Tuesday said there was an increase in the number of active militants in Jammu and Kashmir, pegging the militant number at around 280-300, more than 100% jump from the figure of 119 in 2011.
It said more militants will be pushed into the valley with terror infrastructure intact in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan.
"Still 280-300 militants are active in Kashmir. Though militancy related incidents are taking place, but the overall situation is stable," said 15 Corps General Officer Commanding Lt General Om Prakash in Srinagar.
Prakash, who took over charge of strategic 15 Corps from Lt General Ata Muhammad Hasnain recently said the militant infrastructure in PoK and Pakistan is still in place.
"Our inputs suggest here are 550-600 militants waiting at launching pads in PoK. The mentors of militants are carrying out regular reconnaissance from forward posts, looking for opportunities so that militant could be sneaked into the Valley," he said.
Claiming alert troops were minimized infiltration, Prakash said, "The army has able to bring down the level of infiltration, but, cannot be stopped completely due to the tough terrain."
The army officer, however, said compared to year 2000, militancy has come down.
{{/usCountry}}The army officer, however, said compared to year 2000, militancy has come down.
{{/usCountry}}"In 2000, security forces had gunned down two thousand militants in one year alone.
Prakash said the security forces have killed many Lashkar militants.
"In absence of foreign cadres, the Lashkar militants are trying to exploit local youth. The security agencies are keeping close watch on the missing youth," he said.
On recent attacks in south Kashmir, Prakash said the army had curtailed its operations in south after improvement in the situation.
"There are people who try to fill the vacuum created by the army in south Kashmir and started attacking the soldiers and other security forces," he said.
He claimed the police have identified the militant modules responsible for the attack in Pampore and Kulgam in south Kashmir.