According to a recent report, the security establishment in the Valley has said that 22 militants have been killed in last 50 days of 2016. The forces have stepped up the heat against militants with a massive push being given to counter insurgency operations. Nearly 50 operations have conducted in Kashmir since January 1, 2017 and among them 16 operations have resulted in either killing (22) or arrest of three militants. Earlier that day, three soldiers were killed in a gunbattle with militants in Hajin area of Bandipora district while one ultra was also killed, they said. After Burhan Wani's encounter and the subsequent unrest for about four months, there are reports of a surge in local militants.

Source: India Today February 19, 2017 09:45 UTC