SRINAGAR: The violence in Kashmir has fallen to its lowest level since militants launched a revolt some 23 years ago, chief minister, Omar Abdullah has said, but security officials have warned against complacency.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Omar said the level of violence at present is considerably lower compared to 2002.
“The level (of violence) in the state has touched historic low,” Omar added.
The levels of violence dipped after India and Pakistan, whose territorial dispute over Kashmir has triggered two wars, embarked on a peace process in 2004. Security officials also attribute the drop to fencing of the border between the two countries and what they say are more effective counter-insurgency tactics.
Despite the easing of violence, army has opposed any reduction in troop levels in the state, a key demand of main opposition Peoples Democratic Party and moderate separatist group, All parties Hurriyat Conference.
Security officials warn that it was not wise to “lower our guard as some incidents [of violence] were still taking place.”
People are being still killed in occasional gun battles and bomb explosions.
Earlier this week security forces shot dead who they said were six members of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group in north Kashmir.
