Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh on Monday said anti terrorist operations will continue with full force to restore peace in the Kashmir Valley.
Interacting with reporters on the sidelines of Iftaar party hosted at Gulshan Ground Officers Mess, DGP said, “Approximately 275 terrorists are still active in Kashmir valley”. 
He said compared to previous year their total strength has declined this year. He said last year over 300 terrorists were active in Kashmir but this year their number has come down. 
According to official sources, around 89 ultras including top terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba have been eliminated by the joint teams of security forces in South Kashmir districts of Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, etc.
Referring to efforts of the police and other security forces engaged in anti terror operations, DGP Dilbag Singh said, “Around 40 local terrorists have joined ranks of different outfits in Kashmir valley in the past over five months”. 
“At the same time around 20 youth have returned to mainstream by shunning guns”, he added.
Congratulating police and other security agencies for working in tandem on ground zero, DGP said, “We have achieved major successes this year due to team work at different levels”. 
He said anti terror operations will continue with full swing to ensure restoration of peace in the valley at the earliest. 
Referring to recent killing of Zakir Musa, DGP said, “His elimination is a major setback for radicalised groups who were engaged in propaganda”. 
Earlier, while addressing a police ‘darbar’ in Udhampur district, the DGP asked his men to be fully prepared for the annual 46-day pilgrimage to the 3,880 metre high holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas, which is scheduled to begin from July 1.
“Jammu and Kashmir Police with its capabilities have succeeded in creating a dent in terrorism by eliminating various terrorists including their commanders… our fight against terrorism will continue and we will achieve our goal to establish lasting peace in the state.
He commended the police for foiling attempts to revive terrorism in some areas of the state especially in Jammu region, where it has been wiped out over a decade ago.
The police chief emphasised upon the personnel to keep their morale high and maintain discipline at all levels.
“Our officers and jawans have to further enhance their capabilities in different fields of policing as the policemen have to perform multifarious duties which need varied skills.
All ranks of the force have to work together with dedication and strengthen bonds with the people to take the force to new heights,” he said.
The DGP stressed for more “vigil and alertness” to thwart the “evil designs of anti-national elements”.

Courtesy:State Times,May 28,2019