The Intelligence Bureau says in a new report that the number of militants operating in the Kashmir Valley has dropped to around 200 — one of the biggest drops since militancy erupted there two decades ago.
The Intelligence Bureau suggested that the time was right to launch a massive offensive against the remaining militants in the Valley.
“We feel if sustained pressure is mounted at this point, it will break the back of militancy in the Valley. One will see many more operations by security forces in the days to come,” an IB official said.
The government reviewed the overall security situation in Kashmir following this report. Normally, there are around 1,500 militants operating in the Valley at any given point. “There can be a minor fluctuation in this figure. But if there is any major drop, more militants are sent from across the border,” the official noted.
The IB report also warned there are 800-plus militants at bases across the Line of Control, waiting to be infiltrated into India before winter sets in. It was decided at the review meeting to step up vigil across the LoC.