60% of terrorists killed in J&K last year were Pakistani: Army Chief

Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi provided an update on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, revealing that around 60% of the terrorists killed in the region last year were of Pakistani origin.

He also stated that about 80% of the remaining terrorists operating in J&K are Pakistanis.

#WATCH | Delhi: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, says "Last year, 60% of terrorists eliminated were of Pakistan origin. As of today, whatever is a remnant in the Valley and Jammu area, we feel that around 80% or more are of Pakistan origin...Coming on to J&K, the… pic.twitter.com/3pbltpeo7f

— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025

Gen Dwivedi assured that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is firmly under control. He emphasized that the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC), which has been in place since February 2021, is holding steady, although terror infrastructure still remains intact across the region.

He further acknowledged the continuous infiltration attempts from both the International Border (IB) sector and drone attempts to smuggle weapons and narcotics.

The Army Chief also pointed to an increase in terrorist activities, particularly in North Kashmir and the Doda-Kishtwar belt, but reassured the public that overall violence remains under control. He highlighted the success of the Amarnath Yatra, which saw over five lakh pilgrims, and the peaceful conduct of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections as signs of positive change in the region. “The theme of terrorism to tourism is gradually taking shape,” he remarked.

#WATCH | Delhi: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, says "I'll first dwell upon issues and to begin with the Northern borders, as you are aware the situation is sensitive but stable. In October situation in Depsang and Demchok in Eastern Ladakh got resolved. The patrolling… pic.twitter.com/5guzeD7ssY

— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025

Regarding the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Gen Dwivedi described it as “stable” but “sensitive,” particularly following the disengagement between Indian and Chinese forces at the two remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh. He added that traditional activities, such as patrolling and grazing, have resumed in areas like Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh.

Gen Dwivedi also discussed the Army’s focus on strengthening border infrastructure and enhancing capability development. “Our deployment is balanced and robust; we are capable of handling any situation,” he concluded. He further noted that India and China are working towards restoring bilateral relations, which were frozen for over four years due to the military standoff in Ladakh's Galwan Valley.