400 militants operating in J-K: Lt. Gen. Choudhary

Jammu, Feb 15 (ANI): Lieutenant General A K Choudhary, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 9 Corps, today said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has been brought to "satisfactory levels" and the number of militants operating in the state has fallen by half in the past few years.

Addressing mediapersons here, Lt. General Choudhary said the number of militants have come down to about 400-odd.

"The situation in Jammu and Kashmir has been brought to very great satisfactory levels. The number of militants have dwindled to an approximate strength of just about 400-odd, which used to be many, few years back to 800, 900 or 1,000 militants. Today, it has been brought down to a very, very reasonable level," he said.

Lt. General Choudhary said what needs to be ensured is that militants who have already infiltrated in the country have to be tackled, and no fresh infiltration takes place.

He added the security forces are working in complete coordination with the local police.

Lt. General mentioned the army is fully geared to take on all intruders and ensure the integrity of the country.

"The army is fully geared to take on and ensure the integrity of the country, whether it is Pakistan border, whether it is China border. We have taken measures to ensure that integrity of our country and the borders are maintained fully. So, therefore there is nothing to worry that our borders are not looked after," said Choudhary.

With regard to the changing security postures on this side of the border, Choudhary said: "Tactics and strategies need to be changed to deal with the neighbouring countries, which are inimical to the national interest. By Tahir Nadeem Khan (ANI)