NEW DELHI, Nov 21: Security forces have maintained a relentless offensive against terrorist networks, eliminating 61 terrorists in 2024, according to official data and senior military leadership.
Figures available with Kashmir Convener, shows a marginal increase from the 60 terrorists neutralized in 2023, underscore a strategic shift. A significant portion of operations is now concentrated in the region’s hinterland.
The breakdown reveals that 45 terrorists were eliminated in internal security operations across Jammu and Kashmir, while 16 were targeted near the Line of Control (LoC). Intelligence agencies confirmed that 21 of the total—more than a third—were Pakistani nationals, highlighting continued cross-border involvement.
The operational tempo has seen a dramatic escalation in 2025, with intelligence sources describing the period as “unprecedented.” In a significant development, the covert ‘Operation Sindoor’ is reported to have struck deep inside Pakistan, neutralizing over 100 terrorists, with an additional 31 eliminated in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
A senior defense official told the Kashmir Convener that a key success metric this year has been the effectiveness of counter-terror operations in the hinterland, where 45 terrorists were eliminated compared to 35 the previous year. Official assessments attribute this success to refined operational tactics and a notable reduction in local support for terrorist groups. This success is further bolstered by an observed decrease in movement along the LoC, signaling a potential drop in infiltration attempts from across the border.
The operational prowess of the security forces was on stark display in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. Within a decisive 100-day window, forces eliminated 12 of the most-wanted terrorists. National TV, quoting its sources, reported that six were Pakistani nationals, while the rest were locally trained operatives involved in major attacks. This high-intensity campaign featured targeted missions like ‘Operation Mahadev’ on July 28, which neutralized three terrorists linked to the Pahalgam incident, followed by ‘Operation Shiv Shakti’ the next day, which eliminated two more.
Echoing this data with a firm strategic directive, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi earlier this week outlined the nation’s robust posture. Speaking at an event in the capital, General Dwivedi confirmed that approximately 31 terrorists have been neutralized so far this year, with a striking 61 percent being Pakistani nationals. He highlighted a critical internal security success, stating, “There has been only one attempt at local recruitment, and that individual was apprehended.”
In a clear and unambiguous message to adversaries, the Army Chief affirmed India’s readiness to respond to any form of warfare. He declared that those who promote and sponsor terrorism would be given a ‘befitting reply.’ Referring to recent cross-border strikes, he stated that ‘Operation Sindoor’ was merely a “trailer” that concluded within 88 hours, emphasizing that India is prepared for any future circumstances. General Dwivedi asserted that should Pakistan “ever commit a misdeed, the Indian Armed Forces would teach the neighboring nation how to behave responsibly.” He forcefully reiterated India’s longstanding and non-negotiable principle that “water and blood cannot flow together, and talks and terror cannot go together.”
Meanwhile, a potential terror plot was foiled by security forces on Friday after a cache of arms and ammunition, including two M-series assault rifles, was seized from a hideout near the Line of Control in the Kupwara district, police said.
A police officer told the Kashmir Convener that, acting on specific intelligence, security forces launched a search operation in the Neeriyan Forest area along the Line of Control in the Handwara area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
During the search, the security forces uncovered a major hideout, leading to the recovery of arms and ammunition. The seizure included two M4 rifles with four magazines, two Chinese pistols with three magazines, two hand grenades, and several live rounds.
An official stated that the seizure is a major setback to attempts by terrorist groups to smuggle weapons into the region for future attacks.
The recovered rifles and ammunition indicate efforts by handlers across the LoC to strengthen militants active in the area. An official involved in the operation said the recovery “shows that terror groups are still trying to push weapons into this side, but joint forces are determined to stop them.”
This seizure came a day after a joint operation by police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel led to the busting of a narco-terror network in the Qalamabad region of Handwara.
Earlier on Thursday evening, police reported that a father-son duo, who were deeply involved in running a drug-linked terror operation in the area, used the sale of narcotics to support extremist activities. During the raid, the team recovered a pistol with seven live bullets and nearly 900 grams of a substance believed to be heroin.
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