Even as J&K has witnessed a relative overall peace this year with 40% decline in terror-related incidents as compared those last year, Srinagar appears to have become a hotspot for militants with the city witnessing an increased number of terror attacks.

According to sources in the J&K’s security establishment, of the total 75 incidents of terrorism in the UT, Srinagar alone recorded the highest 16 attacks this year so far, which is a little over 20%. All the parameters of terrorist violence in Srinagar have surpassed those from the traditional hotbed of terrorism in Pulwama, Anantnag and Shopian, they added.

These findings are part of an internal assessment made by the CRPF and the Intelligence Bureau, the key stakeholders of anti-terrorist operations in J&K, sources said.

“During the last over one month, five more terror incidents have been added to the list. Youths from the educated and affluent class residing in Srinagar joining the terror fold have of late become as a major challenge for the security establishment in the Valley,” a senior official said.

The CRPF in its assessment report revealed that the terror incidents are being driven by The Resistance Front (TRF) of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). Srinagar has also reported the maximum number of security forces’ casualty in action this year. Of the 15 casualties reported across the Valley this year, eight come from Srinagar, the official said.

However, TRF commander Abbas Sheikh and his deputy Saqib Manzoor were killed in an encounter at Allochi Bagh area of Srinagar in the third week of the last month. Before this encounter, the J&K Police had prepared a list of top 10 terrorists, which included both the slain militants.

Sheikh had been frequently spotted in Srinagar. He was recruiting militants and developed a strong network of hardcore overground workers.

“Another worrying trend is the propensity of terrorists to use IEDs in Srinagar. Out of eight IEDs recovered this year, three were recovered in Srinagar. Eight to 10 terrorists are said to be active in the district,” the official added.

Courtesy: The Tribune India: 5th Sep, 2021