Terrorist recruitment almost non-existent in J&K: Army Chief

New Delhi, Jan 13: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said that the terrorist recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir is almost non-existent and that local terrorists are now in single digits, indicating a positive change in the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters during his first press conference of 2026, General Dwivedi, said that since May 10 last year, the situation along the Western Front and J&K remains sensitive but firmly under control.
He said that in 2025, 31 terrorists were eliminated, of which 65% were of Pakistan origin, including the three perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack who were neutralised in Operation Mahadev.
“Active local terrorists are now in single digits. Terrorist recruitment is almost non-existent, with only 2 in 2025. Clear indicators of positive change in J&K include robust development activity, revival of tourism and peaceful Amarnath Yatra, which saw more than 4 lakh pilgrims exceeding the five-year average. The theme of terrorism to tourism is gradually taking shape,” he said
He also said that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, and a future misadventure will be resolutely responded to. “I must acknowledge the proactive role of all stakeholders at the national level, including CAPFs, intelligence agencies, civic bodies, state administration and other ministries,” he said.
He added that Operation Sindoor was the “best example of tri-service synergy under a clear-cut political directive and full freedom to act or respond”. “The operation was conceptualised and executed with precision. Through 22 minutes of initiation on May 7 and an orchestration that lasted 88 hours up to May 10, the operation reset strategic assumptions by striking deep, dismantling terror infrastructure, and puncturing the longstanding nuclear rhetoric,” he said.
The Army Chief added that the Army successfully destroyed seven out of the nine targets and that it was ready for a ground offensive.
He further said that top-level interactions, renewed contact, and confidence-building measures are contributing to the “gradual normalisation” of the situation that has also enabled grazing, hydrotherapy camps, and other activities along the Northern Borders.
“With our continued strategic orientation on this front, our deployment along the Line of Actual Control remains balanced and robust. Concurrently, capability development and infrastructure enhancement are progressing through a whole-of-government approach,” he added.
Responding to a question, the Army Chief said that according to the information, eight terrorist camps are still active, two of which are near the International Border (IB) and six are across the Line of Control (LoC). We do believe that there is some kind of presence or training in these camps, and that is why we are keeping a close watch. In case similar action is enacted, we will definitely deal with it.”
He also mentioned that the forward movements that took place during Operation Sindoor have been “gradually reduced” by both countries, but vigilance is being maintained.
Responding to a question whether Pakistan issued any nuclear threats during the May 2025 conflict with India, he said that there were no talks between the Director General of Military Operations (DGMOs) about nuclear warfare.
“The nuclear rhetoric was given by the political or local public in Pakistan instead of the military. As far as nuclear rhetoric is concerned. I have no indication that anything of that sort came from the military,” he said. (KNO)