New Delhi: Terror-linked civilian deaths in Jammu and Kashmir dropped by 80% in the last 10 years, as compared to the previous decade, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has claimed.
The ministry has revealed that 344 civilians were killed in terror-related incidents between 2014 and 2024, as compared to 1,769 reported deaths during the Congress-led UPA government tenure between 2004 and 2014.
According to the MHA, security forces also suffered fewer casualties during this period. While 1,060 personnel sacrificed their lives in counter-terror operations during the UPA tenure, the number dropped to 576 – nearly 46% lower – in the subsequent 10-year period under the NDA.
There were also fewer terror-related incidents, the MHA claims. Its report states that the number of such incidents has halved over the past decade. From 16,463 incidents of violence reported between 2004 and 2014, the count reduced to 7,744 between 2014 and 2024.
“One of the most significant shifts has been the complete eradication of stone pelting – a persistent law and order challenge for decades. When we compare data between 2010 and 2024, we find that no incidents of stone pelting were reported in 2024,” an official said.
The MHA claims that people in the state are now participating in larger numbers in the democratic process. A record 98.3% voter turnout was registered in the 2019 Block Development Council elections – the highest in the region’s recent history. Since 2019, 34,260 grassroots-level representatives have been elected across panchayats, urban local bodies, and district councils. There was no election-related violence during the BDC and urban body polls.
“Revocation of Article 370 and 35A in August 2019, has brought about major political and administrative reforms. From ending the expensive Darbar Move practice – saving the exchequer Rs 400 crore annually – to reviving cinema halls after over three decades, the region has witnessed significant transformation. The administration has also taken a hard line against terrorism sympathisers. Public funerals for militants have been banned, and government employees found supporting terrorism have been dismissed. Individuals with proven terror links now face disqualification from jobs, contracts, passports and even Bar Council membership,” the official added.
