An RTI query seeking details of the total number of killings in the state of Jammu and Kashmir during the last 27 years of conflict has revealed that 40, 000 people have lost their lives during the unrest in the state.

The data which has been released in response to an RTI terms 2001 as the “bloodiest year” in which nearly 3552 people were killed which included 996 civilians, 536 security personnel and 2020 militants.

The figure revealed are part of the report released by union ministry of home affairs (MHA). The report reveals that over 40,961 people have been killed in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir from 1990 to March 31, 2017 which includes nearly 22,000 militants, 5055 government forces and 13491 civilians.

Killings in 2016 were double than 2012. Around 247 people lost their lives in 2016 including 15 civilians, 82 security men and 150 militants

The maximum number of civilian deaths have taken place in 1996, when nearly 1341 civilians were killed followed by 1031 civilians in 1995.

Ram Sharma, an RTI activist who had filed application is quoted to have said that after 2006, there has been a steep decline in causalities till 2012. “In year 2012, there were only 102 causalities that included 15 civilians, 15 security personnel and 72 militants.

However, from 2013 onward there is a rise in the killings. “Killings in 2016 were double than 2012. Around 247 people lost their lives in 2016 including 15 civilians, 82 security men and 150 militants.”

The maximum number of civilian deaths have taken place in 1996, when nearly 1341 civilians were killed followed by 1031 civilians in 1995

Till March 31 this year, 52 lives have been lost including five civilians, 12-armed force personnel and 35 militants, he said.

Sharma said MHA has asked him to approach the state government for queries related to loss and damage of property in Jammu and Kashmir during the last 27 years

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