Srinagar, Dec 27, KNT: The year 2025 marked one of the least violent periods in recent years in terms of militancy-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, barring one devastating attack that sharply altered the overall casualty count.
Except for the April 22 attack at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Anantnag district, militancy-related violence remained at its lowest level when compared with previous years. The Baisaran incident, in which at least 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed, emerged as the single deadliest attack of the year and accounted for the overwhelming majority of civilian casualties in 2025.
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Outside this incident, the security landscape across the Union Territory remained relatively calm, with sporadic encounters and infiltration attempts largely confined to specific pockets. Overall, the year saw a comparatively lower number of militant and security force deaths, reflecting a sustained decline in high-intensity militant activity in the Valley.
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However, the mass civilian casualties in April underscored the continued vulnerability of soft targets and highlighted the evolving tactics of militants, particularly the focus on areas with civilian and tourist presence. Security officials observed that while traditional encounter-based violence declined, the risk to unprotected locations remained a serious concern.
Another notable trend during 2025 was a visible increase in cordon and search operations, especially in the border districts of the Jammu region, including areas close to the Line of Control and hinterland forest belts. These operations were largely intelligence-driven and aimed at preventing infiltration, disrupting militant movement, and denying safe havens.
Several infiltration attempts were foiled during the year, particularly in Poonch, Rajouri, Kupwara, and adjoining sectors, contributing to the relatively low number of successful militant strikes. Security agencies maintained heightened vigilance in forested and border areas, leading to frequent searches and temporary restrictions in sensitive zones.
In sum, while 2025 reflected improved overall security conditions and a reduction in routine militancy-related violence, the Baisaran attack served as a stark reminder that isolated but high-impact strikes continue to pose a serious challenge for security planners in Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]
