In J-K, foreign ultras’ influx is on the rise

SRINAGAR, JUNE 7: Given the increasing presence of foreign militants from over a dozen countries in Jammu and Kashmir, the Valley is fast ...

SRINAGAR, JUNE 7: Given the increasing presence of foreign militants from over a dozen countries in Jammu and Kashmir, the Valley is fast turning into a battleground for pan-islamists.

Militancy in the State derives its rank and file from at least 13 countries across the globe. Despite about 1,900 foreign militants being killed since the onset of insurgency in 1990, their number has been increasing with every passing year.

The security authorities have details of ultras hailing from 13 countries who were killed in over a decade of fire-fights in the State. The 13 countries are: Afghanistan, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Yemen, Chechnya, Kazhakistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Albania, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

However, according to Army authorities, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir form the main contributors to Kashmir militancy.

Beginning with a very small number in 1990, the foreign militants have considerably increased their presence in Valley over the years. However, the exact figures of year-wise influx of these jehadis is not known.

While in 1990-1991 only two foreigners were killed by security forces, the number of slain touched six in 1992. The statistics put the number of foreign ultras killed at the hands of troops at 79 in 1993 while 77 were gunned down in 1994 and 1995 each.

Incidentally, the years 1994-95 witnessed the highest number of militants killed – 1596 and 1332, respectively. However, 1996 is believed to be the period when foreign ultras apparently chose Kashmir as their area of operation in a big way. The same year as many as 213 foreign militants were killed while local input was around 1,000. The number, however, went increased with every passing year – 260 foreigners were killed in 1997, 406 in 1998. In 1999, the tide turned against them with as many as 548 foreign ultras death.

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In the first five months this year, 235 foreign militants were killed in the State. However, the Valley witnessed fewer killings of foreigners as compared to local militants during the same period.

Statistics reveal that only 91 foreigners of the total 300 militants were gunned down in Valley since January. A pointer to the fact that Jammu division is fast becoming a major striking zone for foreign militants.

Brigadier Mohan Bhandari, BGS 15 Corps, claims that "lure of money and diversion from sectarian violence to jehad is the main driving force for foreign militants. He said a foreign militant is being paid Rs 5,000-10,000 per month, besides awards for major actions against security forces". BGS said a militant gets Rs 7,000 for killing a soldier up to the rank of Major, Rs 50,000 for Lieutenant Colonel and over a lakh for eliminating Brigadier and above.

But All Parties’ Hurriyat Confernace leader Abdul Gani Lone terms these foreigners as khudayee khedmatgar (servants of God). Justifying the foreign militant presence in Kashmir, Lone blames India for their influx. "Indian forces killed local elements and civilians, raped women and burnt villages. This led to resurgence of Umah factor, thereby compelling Muslim youths from all over the world to come to the rescue of oppressed Kashmiris," Lone told The Indian Express recently.