Army hits 'double century' in Kashmir; 8 terrorists killed in 19 hours takes kill count in 2018 past 200

Srinagar: The Indian Army on Friday crossed a major milestone in its fight against terrorism in Kashmir, taking its kill count for the year past 200.

Eight terrorists were gunned down in 19 hours which took the total number of terrorists killed in 2018 to 201. With a couple of months to go this year, the Army could well cross its 2017 figure of 213, having far exceeded its 2016 figure of 150. 

Anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir have seen a massive strategic change after the conclusion of municipal elections in the state. The operations, which were believed to have been put on halt in view of the municipal elections in the state after a hiatus of 13 years, picked up the day the poll process ended.

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In three separate encounters ranging from south Kashmir's Anantnag to north Kashmir's Baramulla, eight local and Pakistani terrorists were neutralised. Two terrorists were gunned down in Baramulla whereas four terrorists were neutralised in Anantnag on Thursday. In Sopore, two terrorists were gunned down by the forces.

What is creditable for the Army is that after the strategic shift, there have been minimal casualties on the Indian side, while heavy damages have been inflicted upon the terrorists. 

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MyNation had, a long time back, shed light on the new operational tactics followed by the Army during encounters in residential areas. It was learnt that the Army is using flame burner to avoid collateral damage during such operations. 

The Army is now hitting terrorists who are mostly involved in recruiting the local youth. Many terrorist commanders involved in recruitment and supply of ammunition to the local youth for carrying out terror attacks have either been gunned down or arrested in 2018.

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