SRINAGAR, J&K — Jammu and Kashmir witnessed twelve killings in November 2024, with three civilians, one security forces personnel, and eight militants among the victims. November’s toll accounts for nearly 10 percent of the 121 fatalities recorded in the region so far this year, according to the latest data from Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Despite the recent uptick in casualties, the overall number of deaths in 2024 remains significantly lower than the deadly peak of 2001, when the state saw 4,011 fatalities, including 2,345 militants, 628 security personnel, and 1,024 civilians.
A Breakdown of 2024 Casualties
The first half of 2024 was notably calmer compared to the latter months, with a total of 14 deaths reported in April and May combined. In January, only one militant was killed, followed by two civilians in February and March. However, the situation worsened in June and July, with June alone seeing 21 casualties — the deadliest month in the first half of the year, which included nine civilians, one security force member, and eleven militants.
The month of July was the bloodiest so far in 2024, with a total of 27 deaths, including 14 security forces personnel and 13 militants. Notably, there were no civilian casualties in July. In the months that followed, violence continued to plague the region. In August, 11 individuals were killed, including a civilian, four security forces personnel, and five militants. September also witnessed a rise in violence, with 13 deaths, including ten militants and three security personnel.
October proved to be another deadly month, recording 18 fatalities — the third deadliest of the year. Among the casualties were ten civilians, six militants, and two security forces personnel.
November’s Fatalities
November 2024, although less deadly than the preceding months, still recorded significant loss of life. The death toll for the month included three civilians, one member of the security forces, and eight militants. The November killings were part of the ongoing violence tied to militant groups active in the region. The latest fatalities indicate the persistent instability in Jammu and Kashmir, as security forces continue to engage with insurgents operating in the area.
As of now, the total number of casualties in Jammu and Kashmir in 2024 stands at 121, including 31 civilians, 26 security forces personnel, one unidentified individual, and 63 militants. While the overall violence has been lower compared to the peak years of militancy, the recent surge in attacks in the latter half of the year remains a concerning trend.
Historical Context: A Decade of Decline in Killings
Jammu and Kashmir has seen a notable decline in overall fatalities in recent years. For comparison, the year 2001 remains the deadliest year in the history of militancy in the region, with 4,011 fatalities recorded, including over 2,000 militants. In contrast, 2024’s numbers, while concerning, pale in comparison to the deadly peak of the early 2000s.
The continuing violence reflects a complex security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, where clashes between militants and security forces remain frequent, and civilian casualties continue to be a tragic reality. Despite this, the region has made significant strides in reducing the overall death toll, with many experts attributing the decline to more effective counterinsurgency operations and greater cooperation between local and national security forces.
Conclusion: A Fragile Peace
While 2024 has seen a decrease in overall fatalities compared to the past, the recent surge in violence highlights the fragility of peace in Jammu and Kashmir. The rising militant activity, particularly after the deadly months of June and July, has raised concerns among local authorities. As the year progresses, security forces are likely to intensify their efforts to contain militancy, but the region’s troubled history suggests that achieving lasting peace remains a challenging endeavor.
The deaths of civilians, security forces, and militants alike are a grim reminder of the ongoing instability in the region, where the shadow of militancy continues to cast a long and deadly pall.