46 terrorists killed in 35 incidents in Valley; around 100 eliminated in Operation Sindoor
TAUSEEF AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Dec 31: Despite sustained attempts by terror outfits to destabilise the region, Jammu and Kashmir in 2025 recorded one of its most peaceful years in nearly a quarter century, with terrorist-related violence touching a historic low. Official data reveal that only 35 militancy-related incidents were reported across the Kashmir Valley during the year, leading to the killing of 46 terrorists, a figure being described by security officials as the lowest in almost 25 years.
Security agencies attribute the sharp decline to intensified counter-terror operations, improved intelligence coordination, effective border management, and swift retaliatory action against cross-border terror infrastructure.
Pahalgam Attack and Swift Retaliation
One of the darkest moments of the year came on April 22, when terrorists struck Pahalgam, killing 25 tourists and a local guide, making it the deadliest civilian attack in recent years. The attack sent shockwaves across the country and prompted a massive manhunt.
After months of tracking and intelligence-led operations, security forces achieved a major breakthrough on July 28, 2025, when the key perpetrators of the Pahalgam massacre—Suleiman Shah alias Hashim Musa, Hamza Afghani, and Zibran—were neutralised in a fierce encounter. Officials said their elimination dismantled a critical terror module responsible for targeting civilians and tourists.
Operation Sindoor: A Major Strategic Strike
In a significant escalation against cross-border terrorism, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, aimed at avenging the Pahalgam attack. The operation targeted terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
According to official sources, nine terror base camps were struck during the operation. Of these, seven camps were destroyed by the Indian Army, while two were taken out by the Indian Air Force. Intelligence assessments estimate that around 100 terrorists were killed in these precision strikes.
The operation was meticulously planned by the Military Operations Branch of the Army and monitored in real time from the Directorate General of Military Operations (DGMO) control room, with senior military leadership overseeing the mission. Officials described the strikes as precise, calibrated, and time-bound, designed to degrade terror capabilities while preventing wider military escalation.
Pakistan Shelling and Civilian Losses
Following the strikes in PoJK, the Pakistan Army retaliated with heavy shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) between May 7 and May 10, particularly affecting Poonch district. The indiscriminate shelling resulted in the deaths of around 21 civilians, besides causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure in border villages.
Foiled Infiltration Attempts
Border security agencies also reported a significant decline in infiltration attempts during 2025. The Border Security Force (BSF) stated that eight terrorists were killed in four foiled infiltration bids, while five others were successfully pushed back across the border. Officials said enhanced surveillance, use of technology, and better coordination along the International Border and LoC played a crucial role in thwarting these attempts.
Security Force Casualties
While overall violence remained low, the year was not without sacrifice. Security forces suffered casualties in gunfights, IED explosions, and cross-border firing across several districts, including Udhampur, Akhnoor, Baramulla, Kulgam, Kishtwar, Rajouri, and Kupwara. Officials paid tribute to the personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty, calling their sacrifices instrumental in maintaining peace.
Nowgam Blast Shocks the Valley
Even as militancy-related incidents declined, a tragic and shocking incident occurred on November 14, when a powerful blast inside Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar claimed the lives of nine police personnel and left 32 others injured. The explosion sent shockwaves across the Valley.
Police later termed the incident an accidental explosion, stating that the material involved had been brought for investigation purposes from Delhi in connection with the Red Fort blast case. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, which had earlier been widely praised for its professional handling of the Red Fort blast investigation, once again demonstrated transparency and accountability in probing the Nowgam incident.
However, Kashmir continues to mourn the loss of the nine policemen who were killed in the blast, with senior officials acknowledging their service and sacrifice.
A Year of Measured Calm
Overall, 2025 stands out as a year when sustained counter-terror operations, decisive military action, and improved internal security mechanisms collectively pushed Jammu and Kashmir to a rare phase of relative calm. While challenges remain, officials believe the significant reduction in violence reflects a long-term shift in the security landscape of the region.
