New Delhi

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai addressed recent concerns about soldier casualties in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the progress in counter-terrorism efforts. He noted that while 28 terrorists have been killed, the number of soldiers lost is relatively low compared to the terrorists neutralized.

Rai pointed out that the region’s restored peace has led to increased tourism, with 2.11 crore tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir in 2023. He emphasized the government’s commitment to combating terrorism, citing a significant reduction in deaths from 2,819 between 2004 and 2014 to 941 in the past decade, marking a 66% decrease.

In response to recent terror attacks, including an army convoy attack in Kathua and incidents in Doda and Udhampur, Rai stressed that 80% of deaths have been reduced since Congress was in power, and over 200 terrorists have been eliminated since the abrogation of Article 370. He also shared that tourism in the region has seen an annual growth rate of 15.13% over the past three years, reflecting the positive impact of improved security.