65% Of Terrorists Neutralised In 2025 Were From Pakistan, Army Chief Says

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said the Armed Forces eliminated 31 terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir in 2025, with 65 per cent of them identified as Pakistani nationals.

Speaking at the Army’s annual press conference in New Delhi, Gen Dwivedi said security forces killed 31 terrorists in 2025, including the three perpetrators of the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives.

He said 65 per cent of the eliminated terrorists were of Pakistani origin, with active local militants now in single digits and only two new recruits this year.

The Army Chief said the northern and north-western borders remain stable but demand constant vigilance, adding that Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a clear shift from terrorism to tourism in 2025.

He highlighted strong development activity, a revival of tourism, and the peaceful Shri Amarnath Yatra, which attracted over four lakh pilgrims, surpassing the five-year average, while noting that confidence-building measures on the Northern Front have driven gradual normalisation.

This has enabled routine activities such as grazing and hydrotherapy camps along the borders.

Gen Dwivedi added that India’s deployment along the Line of Actual Control remains balanced and robust. He said capability development and infrastructure upgrades continue under a whole-of-government approach.

Recalling the Pahalgam terror attack, Gen Dwivedi said the leadership took a firm decision to respond decisively through Operation Sindoor, which was executed with precision and struck deep into the terror infrastructure.

He said the operation, launched on May 7 and carried out over 88 hours, destroyed seven of the nine identified targets, reset strategic assumptions, and demonstrated strong tri-service synergy under clear political direction, while warning that any future misadventure will face a resolute response.

Also Read: Army Ready For Ground Operations Under Operation Sindoor: Gen Dwivedi