NAVVNEET DUBEY
JAMMU: The concerted actions of security agencies against terrorism and its support ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir have reflected in a sharp improvement in key security indicators, with NITI Aayog data showing a massive decline in stone-pelting, terror recruitment and terrorist-initiated incidents between 2018 and 2025.
According to a comparative assessment of law-and-order and security parameters based on 2018 and 2025 figures cited by NITI Aayog, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a 98.6 percent decline in stone-pelting incidents. In 2018, as many as 1,767 incidents of stone-pelting were recorded across the Union Territory.
By 2025, the number came down to just 25, indicating near complete containment of street violence that had for years disrupted normal life, particularly in the Valley.
One of the most significant indicators highlighted in the data is the decline in recruitment of local youth into terrorist ranks. In 2018, 199 cases of youth joining terrorism were reported.
In 2025, only two such cases were reported, marking a decline of about 99 percent. Security officials view this as a crucial marker of changing ground sentiment, success of counter-radicalisation measures, increased community outreach and sustained action against over-ground workers and recruiters.
The data also points to a major drop in terrorist-initiated violent incidents. While 228 such incidents were recorded in 2018, the figure fell to 12 in 2025, a reduction of about 95 percent. This decline has correspondingly reduced the need for frequent counter-terror operations.
The number of counter-terrorism operations and encounters, which stood at 189 in 2018, came down to 33 in 2025, a decline of 82.5 percent. Similarly, the number of terrorists killed during this period fell from 257 to 34, a drop of about 87 percent. Officials attribute this to both reduced terrorist presence and preventive actions that have choked infiltration and logistics support.
A key outcome of improved security has been a reduction in casualties among security forces. In 2018, 91 security personnel made the supreme sacrifice in terrorist incidents and encounters. By 2025, the figure was 16, marking a decline of 82.4 percent.
Civilian fatalities have also declined, though at a comparatively slower pace. In 2018, 55 civilians lost their lives in terror-related incidents or encounters. The number fell to 28 in 2025, a reduction of about 49.1 percent, reflecting reduced crossfire situations and fewer targeted killings.
In contrast to the declining trend in violent incidents, there has been an increase in arrests of terror-linked associates and suspects, indicating intensified action against the support network rather than only kinetic operations. While 105 such individuals were arrested in 2018, 143 were arrested in 2025. According to NITI Aayog, this shift indicates a focus on dismantling the ecosystem, including financing, logistics and propaganda networks.
Ceasefire violations along the borders have also shown a decline. From 382 cases in 2018, the number came down to 193 in 2025, a decrease of about 49.5 percent, in the backdrop of ceasefire understandings and stronger border management.
The NITI Aayog report has also highlighted the administration’s response during ‘Operation Sindoor’ in May 2025.
Following heavy shelling along the Line of Control between May 7 and 10, the districts of Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Baramulla and Kupwara were classified as severely affected.
In response to the shelling, the administration relocated 3.26 lakh people to safer locations and set up 397 relief camps which provided shelter to 15,293 people. For health and emergency services, 394 ambulances were deployed and 2,818 Civil Defence volunteers were mobilised for relief operations.
As many as 9,701 bunkers were activated to ensure safety of civilians and continuity of essential supplies and infrastructure.
The shelling left 19 people dead and 127 injured. The administration released Rs 3.59 crore as immediate relief to affected families and granted 15 compassionate appointments to dependents of those killed.
The shelling caused extensive damage to 2,069 residential structures. For restoration and compensation, Rs 3.17 crore was released as relief and additional compensation of Rs 20.86 crore was provided to affected households, the report noted. Officials said the data collectively indicates a transition from high-intensity street and terror violence to greater stability, while also showing administrative preparedness in handling cross-border exigencies.
