New Delhi: The Indian security forces have not only avenged deaths of 40 CRPF jawans, who were killed in the Pulwama massacre but also eliminated 66 terrorists in the last three months in Kashmir Valley, including 27 from Jaish-e-Mohammed — the terror organisation backed by Pakistan.

According to a senior security official, massive flush-out drives were carried on the ground to eliminate the militants involved in the Pulwama attack. If reports are to be believed, 19 terrorists were killed post-Pulwama attack by the Indian Army.

Fulfilling Narendra Modi government’s ‘zero tolerance towards terrorism’ policy, the security forces have eliminated 19 JeM terrorists in 45 days who were involved in the attack.

While four JeM terrorists who were involved directly in the Pulwama attack were killed, while four others have been arrested during different operations.

The intelligence inputs provided by the interrogation of at least 40 JeM over-ground supporters in the Kashmir have helped various counter-terrorism teams to crack down on the terror network in the Valley.

Several overnight encounters were carried out in which security forces also faced some casualties but ensured that no terrorists could escape.

“Our ground intelligence helped in tracking and eliminating a large number of terrorists in the valley. We got specific information about their hideouts. Many encounters lasted several hours but we tried our best to make sure that civilians remain safe,” said a senior officer.  

The Army claims that there has been a significant dip in fresh terror recruitment in the last two months and the number of locals participating in funeral processions of militants has reduced. 

Also read: NIA arrests JeM terrorist who supplied logistics, weaponry for Lethpora attack

The JeM terrorists killed by the security forces include Kamran, who was neutralised on February 18, Mushashir Ahmed Khan on March 11 and Sajjad Bhat on March 11.

Two terrorists including Nisar Ahmed Tantray and Sajjad are currently in the NIA custody for their role in the terror attack.

It is believed that Tantray had helped the suicide bomber Aadil Ahmed Dar by getting a vehicle-based improvised explosive device from Yasir, a Pakistan based JeM terrorist.

According to intelligence agencies, after a series of crackdowns by the security forces, terror groups have been asked by Pakistani forces to shut down terror camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.