20000 Civilians, 7000 Cops Killed in Kashmir in 19 Years: Official

By Fayaz Wani

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Srinagar, Nov 20: A top civil official of Kashmir on Thursday said that over 20,000 civilians and 7,000 policemen were killed during two decades of violence in restive Kashmir.

Inaugurating a week-long Vertical Interaction Course (VIC) on "Tactical Preparedness for Counter Terrorism", the chief Secretary of Kashmir, S K Kapur 20000 civilians, 7000 cops and special police officers (SPOs) have died in numerous incidents of violence in Kashmir during the last two decades.

He said that over 20,000 militants have been killed by police, para-military and army in Kashmir during different encounters and gunfights.

He said, "Terrorism and insurgency have threatened the very foundations of Indian democracy and we need to be extremely vigilant in meeting this challenge. New counter terrorism operations require more information, intelligence and technology rather than use of force and weaponry alone".

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.

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