Srinagar: In the last five years, security forces have managed to beef up their vigilance over terror outfits operating in Jammu and Kashmir and it has resulted in the elimination of 726 militants, including top commanders.

Official figures show that 145 terrorists were eliminated in the Valley till August 31 and this number is double than the 72 and 67 terrorists neutralised in the region in year 2012 and 2013, when Congress led UPA was in power, respectively.

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The reports also revealed that the situation is getting better after the NDA government came to power. In year 2017, total 213 terrorists were gunned down and the number was 139 till August 31. In year 2014, 2015 and 2016 the number of total terrorists killed in the Valley was also less than the number in 2018, revealed the data accessed by MyNation.

After the killing of Hizbul Mujahedeen Commander Burhan Wani, the number of terrorists being eliminated started rising. 150 terrorists were killed in year 2016, while 213 were gunned down in 2017 by security forces in Kashmir.

The data also revealed that all 10 district of Kashmir have been hit by terrorism. At least 327 terrorists are active in the Valley, out of which 211 are locals and 116 are foreign militants sponsored by Pakistan.

While south Kashmir districts like Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag and Pulwama have the presence of local terrorists, north Kashmir districts like Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora have foreign terrorists deployed there.

Sources in the government told MyNation that the security agencies are planning to eliminate top terror commanders like Zakir Musa, Naved Jatt, Riaz Naikoo at the earliest, after which pressure on terrorist is expected to increase further.