By Riyaz Wani
Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a sharp decline in several indicators of terrorism and violence between 2018 and 2025, with stone-pelting incidents falling by 98.6 percent and youth recruitment into terrorism declining by around 99 percent, according to NITI Aayog figures.
The data, which compares key security and law-and-order indicators for 2018 and 2025, shows a substantial reduction in terrorism- and violence-related incidents across Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the figures, stone-pelting incidents declined from 1,767 in 2018 to 25 in 2025, representing a 98.6 percent reduction.
Youth recruitment into terrorism also fell sharply, from 199 cases in 2018 to just two in 2025, a decline of around 99 percent.
Terrorist-initiated incidents declined from 228 in 2018 to 12 in 2025, marking a reduction of nearly 95 percent.
The number of counter-terror operations and encounters also fell from 189 in 2018 to 33 in 2025, a decline of 82.5 percent.
The number of terrorists killed dropped from 257 in 2018 to 34 in 2025, representing an 87 per cent reduction.
Security forces personnel killed in terrorist incidents and encounters declined from 91 in 2018 to 16 in 2025, a fall of 82.4 percent.
Civilian casualties also declined, with the number of civilians killed in terrorist incidents or encounters falling from 55 in 2018 to 28 in 2025, a reduction of 49.1 percent.
At the same time, the number of terrorist associates or suspects arrested increased from 105 in 2018 to 143 in 2025. The 36.2 percent increase, according to the figures, indicates intensified action against networks supporting terrorism.
Ceasefire violations also declined from 382 in 2018 to 193 in 2025, a reduction of 49.5 per cent.
The NITI Aayog figures also highlighted the administrative and relief measures undertaken during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, following LoC shelling between May 7 and 10.
Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Baramulla and Kupwara were identified as severely affected districts, following which authorities undertook evacuation and relief measures.
“As part of the coordinated response to the LoC shelling, 3.26 lakh persons were evacuated, while 397 relief centers were established and 15,293 persons were lodged in these centers,” the NITI Aayog document said.
Health services were also activated during the response, with 394 ambulances mobilised and 2,818 Civil Defence volunteers deployed.
“The authorities also activated 9,701 bunkers besides taking measures to protect infrastructure, ensure supplies and prevent hoarding,” the document reads.
According to the figures, 19 deaths and 127 injuries were reported during the shelling. The government subsequently distributed Rs 3.59 crore in relief to victims and provided 15 compassionate appointments to the next of kin.
“The shelling also caused extensive damage to residential properties as 2,069 residential structures suffered major losses. An amount of Rs 3.17 crore was distributed as relief for the damaged structures,” the document reads.
In addition, Rs 20.86 crore was disbursed as additional compensation for damaged residential houses.
