For the first time since the onset of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in 1990, no terror-related fatality was reported during the month of May this year in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Not only were there no terror-related fatalities, but no major terror incident was reported either. The only notable security-related development was a brief gunfight during the last week of May, when contact was established with terrorists in the border district of Rajouri in the Jammu region.
According to data compiled by the South Asia Intelligence Review (SAIR) of the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), all 31 days of May passed without any loss of life in a terror-related incident. This is being seen as a significant indicator of the improving security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
A terror-fatality-free May is being viewed as a major milestone in the Union Territory's counter-terrorism efforts, particularly because the month has historically witnessed heightened militant activity following the winter lull and the reopening of mountain passes along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) after snowmelt.
According to SATP data, a total of 12 people have been killed in terror-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir so far this year. The fatalities included three deaths in January, six in February, two in March, and one in April. The deceased comprised 10 terrorists, one security personnel, and one civilian.
This is the first time in more than three decades that the month of May has passed without a single fatality linked to terrorism or infiltration.
The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has once again improved to a level from which pathways to lasting peace can emerge. However, this would require a measure of political sagacity that is, regrettably, largely absent in the prevailing environment, where opportunistic and polarising politics often take centre stage.
On May 24, security forces launched search operations in the Rajouri district following an encounter with suspected terrorists in the Dorimal-Gambhir Moghla belt.
A joint team of the army, police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) initiated the operation after receiving intelligence inputs regarding the movement of two to three terrorists. A brief exchange of fire took place after contact was established, following which additional troops were deployed to expand the search operation in the forested area.
On the same day, security forces recovered a cache of rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) ammunition and explosives during a search operation in the Nilsar orchards of the Chandoosa area in the Baramulla district.
The operation was jointly conducted by the Baramulla Police, the Army, and the CRPF based on specific intelligence inputs regarding a suspected terror hideout. During the search, 14 RPG rounds and nine boosters were recovered from the forested area. The site was subsequently sanitised, and the recovered material was seized for further investigation. Authorities registered a case and launched an inquiry to determine the source and intended use of the recovered ammunition.
The data highlights a sharp decline in violence over the years. While May 2026 recorded zero fatalities, the corresponding figures were:
- 14 terror-related fatalities in 2025
- Seven terror-related fatalities in 2024
- 14 terror-related fatalities in 2023
- 38 terror-related fatalities in 2022
- 16 terror-related fatalities in 2021
- 28 terror-related fatalities in 2020
The toll was considerably higher during the peak years of terrorism, with 300 deaths reported in May 2001, 288 in 2002, 241 in 2003, 195 in 2004, and 188 in 2005.
Security experts attribute the improvement to sustained counter-terrorism operations, a robust anti-infiltration grid along the borders, and a sharp decline in local recruitment by militant outfits.
Officials said intensified surveillance, intelligence-based operations, and enhanced border management have significantly curtailed the movement of terrorists and reduced their operational capabilities.
"Local recruitment into terrorist ranks is at an all-time low, while infiltration attempts have also dropped to their lowest levels in recent years. The combined impact of these measures is clearly visible on the ground," a security official said.
The absence of any terror-related fatality during May is being viewed as a reflection of the changing security landscape in Jammu and Kashmir. However, security agencies continue to maintain a high level of vigilance to prevent any resurgence of militant activity.
