Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi informed that approximately 80% of the remaining terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir are of Pakistani origin. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, he noted a significant shift in the region from “terrorism to tourism,” citing a decline in violence and successful events such as the Amarnath Yatra, which attracted over 500,000 pilgrims last year.
General Dwivedi stated that last year, 60% of the terrorists eliminated in the region were identified as being from Pakistan. “As of today, around 80% or more of the remaining terrorists in the Valley and Jammu area are believed to be of Pakistani origin,” he explained. He acknowledged that despite a successful ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC) since February 2021, attempts at infiltration and the presence of terror infrastructure continue to pose challenges.
While he noted an increase in terrorist activities in northern Kashmir and the Doda-Kishtwar region, General Dwivedi emphasized that overall levels of violence remain under control. He pointed to the peaceful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra and the successful organization of elections in the region as indicators of a positive transformation.
“The peaceful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra, which saw over five lakh pilgrims last year, and elections in the region indicate a positive shift from ‘terrorism to tourism,’” he remarked.
Additionally, General Dwivedi highlighted the important role of the media in national security, stating, “Mass media and security forces have great potential to converge towards nation-building and national security.” He reiterated his mission to ensure full-spectrum preparedness while transforming the Indian Army into a self-reliant, future-ready force that plays a crucial role in national security and contributes meaningfully to nation-building.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues to evolve, General Dwivedi’s remarks reflect a hopeful outlook for the region’s future, emphasizing the importance of stability and development.
