Jammu, Nov. 22: The Northern Army commander on Tuesday said that the total number of militants active in Jammu and Kashmir is 300 that includes 82 foreign militants and 53 locals while all efforts are on to foil their plans of targeting security forces in the UT.

Addressing the press conference on the occasion of Poonch Link Up Day, the General officer Commanding-in-Chief northern command Lieutenant General Upendera Dwivedi told here today that figures available with the army suggest that there are 300 terrorists active in J&K including the Rajouri-Poonch area. “There are 82 foreign militants and 53 local militants active in J&K. But worrisome is that there are almost 170 unidentified militants listed with the army who are tasked to conduct criminal activities,” he said.

The Army’s Northern Commander said that the security forces have achieved tremendous success over the years in controlling the overall number of terror incidents in the Kashmir Valley, despite the fact that Pakistan has been constantly targeting innocents, including non-J&K residents and Kashmiri Pandits.

Besides, he said, Pakistan has been making continuous attempts to push drugs and weapons into this side of the territory.

"But every year, we have been trying to reduce the number of such activities," he said.

Responding to a query about the recent surge in drone activities, Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi said, "Developing drones and counter-drones is a technology that continues to upgrade on either side."

"But to control the use of drones for smuggling weapons into India, we have placed our counter-drones at sensitive locations, and we have also been trying to remain extra vigilant near the hostile borders."

About the local militant recruitment, Lt Gen Dwivedi said 35 per cent of the recruitment comprise youth below 20 years of age and the remaining 75 per cent include the youth between the age of 20 and 30 years. “It is time for parents to keep the watch on their children and ensure proper upbringing. These youth need to study and see the world outside. We have sent 1800 youth to various parts of India for studies,” he said.

About security situation post abrogation of Article 370, the Army Commander said that the security scenario has witnessed a big change with peace and development prevailing.He said that the people have to understand that the countries that have promoted terrorism for the past 30 years have achieved nothing while India has been on a path of constant development.

"Due to our resolve and commitment to development, India has become a G-20 leader today, whereas the economy of Pakistan has been crumbling." "We have to understand this," he said.He said that the Army has been continuously collaborating with various government departments for the proper implementation of government-run schemes.

"The contribution of the Army to the development of J&K’s economy alone is Rs. 1500–2000 crores."

"For better implementation of the government schemes, we synergise with the LG administration, people, and prominent civil bodies to discuss what could be done for the betterment of the people," Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi said.

He said that "recently a cinema hall was opened in Srinagar on Army land and another in Pulwama." "These changes are an indication of normalcy in Kashmir," the Northern Commander of the Army added.