There are a total of 273 terrorists operating in Kashmir, according to the latest list prepared by security agencies last week. Prior to the abrogation of Article 370, the number of separatist insurgents was estimated to be between 150-200.

Out of the 273 active terrorists, 158 are based in South Kashmir, 96 in North Kashmir and 19 terrorists in central Kashmir. At 166, the local terrorists outnumber the 107 foreign terrorists operating in Kashmir.

The jihadists belong to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Hizbul Mujahideen (HuM), Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) and Al Badr outfits. LeT tops the list with 112 terrorists followed by Hizbul Mujahideen with 100 gunmen, Jaish-e-Muhammad with 58 and Al Badr with three.

Sources indicate that the graph of infiltration from across the border has also gone up with many successful infiltration attempts recorded since the revocation of the state’s special status.

According to sources, while the ongoing communication curbs in Kashmir are preventing Pakistan from passing on instructions to terrorists in the Valley, these have also impacted counter-terrorism operations. Fewer operations have taken place since August 5, with security forces banking for information mostly on human intelligence rather than technology.

The lull may have given the terrorists time to regroup and spread across the Valley; even as the jihadists have been largely inactive of late, this could be a deliberate ploy by them as they await further instructions from their handlers.

(With inputs from IANS)