The composition of militancy in Kashmir continues to be dominated by foreigners — of the 398 militants killed 304 were foreigners, making it 76 per cent of total militants killed in the valley in 2008-09.
The level of violence, which declined during this period, has increased in the past few months.
Increase in this composition has also led to targeted attacks on security forces as these militants, who generally come from North-Western Frontier Province (NWFP), Punjab, Pakistan occupied Kashmir and other areas of Pakistan, are highly trained and well-equipped with latest arms.
Top security officials refuse to confirm whether these militants are trained in Taliban camps but admit that their level of training is very high. “It is actually the commitment also which makes them stronger militants,” said one of the officials, adding “they are so motivated that they are determined to get killed.”
In 2008, of the 237 militants killed 171 were foreigners and in 2009 of the 161 militants killed 133 were foreigners. In this year, 21 militants have been killed, of whom five were foreigners.
According to figures available with the police, the number of incidents had shown a significant decline in the last two years but past few months have witnessed a spurt. This is also attributed to “foreign leadership” though the number of “new recruits” from the valley is also going up.
A recent statement by Hizbul Mujahideen supremo Syed Salahuddin that the militants would target the urban areas now has been practically implemented as in the last 10 days four major attacks took place in Srinagar city killing at least four people.
Content Courtesy :The Hindu.
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