Security forces on Thursday killed five terrorists in two major counter-terror operations in north and central Kashmir. With these two operations, the total number of terrorists neutralised by the security forces in 2017 has crossed the 200 mark. This is the highest number of terrorists neutralised in a year in the last seven years in Jammu and Kashmir.

"A collective effort of the Jammu and Kashmir police, Indian Army, CRPF, CAPF & the people of Kashmir has lead to neutralisation of more than 200 terrorists in 2017 alone. This marks a huge landmark for establishing peace & stability in the state of J&K & our country," tweeted Dr Shesh Paul Vaid, Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir.

Data reveals that 270 ultras were killed by the security forces in 2010. The figure came down to 119 in 2011. Around 84 in 2012, followed by 100 in 2013, 110 in 2014, and 113 in 2015. Despite an ongoing unrest, security forces had killed 165 terrorists in 2016.

The success against terror in 2017 is attributed to 'Operation All Out' launched by the security forces early this year. The operation saw top leaders of different terror outfits neutralised, thus breaking the backbone of terror activity.

They included Burhan Wani's successor Sabzar Bhat, Lashkar-e-Tioba chief Abu Dujana and Abu Ismail, two nephews – Abu Musaib and Obaid --of Mumbai attack mastermind Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, Talha Rashid nephew of Pathankote attack mastermind Moulana Masood Azhar and others.

However the achievement in the war against terror came at a very high cost with more than 75 security force men laying down their lives in the line of duty this year so far.

Official figures reveal that there are more than 200 militants still operating in the valley. Of whom at least 110 are locals and around 100 are foreigners, mostly Pakistani nationals.

The landmark of eliminating 200 militants came on the day when security forces stepped up winter offensive and killed five militants in Phutlipora-Pakherpora village of Budgam and Sagipora village of Sopore in Baramulla district.

The first operation was launched in Phutlipora village after security forces received a tip off about the presence of the militants in the area. A Joint team of Army, CRPF and police cordoned off the village at 5.30 am and an hour later contact was established when militants opened fire on the search party.

"Four militants were killed in the operation. The operation is still continuing", said Colonel Rajesh Kalia, defence spokesman at Srinagar.

Massive protests and stone pelting rocked the area after people tried to disrupt the operation in Phutlipora. Youth pelted stones and tried to march towards the encounter site. Protestors also torched a private pickup truck.

Security forces immediately swung into action and lobbed tear smokes shells to quell the mob. When the protesters refused to retreat, security forces fired pellet shots and other live munitions causing injuries to few people.

In another operation, security forces killed a militant at Sagipora village in the apple rich town of Sopore. A soldier sustained injuries in the operation.

The operation was launched after forces received information that militants are hiding in the area. When the security forces were zeroing in on the target house, they came under heavy fire. It was retaliated and in the ensuing gun fight one militant was killed.