<div align="justify">Security agencies are keeping a close watch on Kashmir in view of the fast-approaching anniversary of Burhan Wani’s killing.<br /><br />Officials said all measures have been taken to ensure that the death anniversary does not become another moment for fuelling protests in the Valley.<br /><br />Wani’s killing by security forces in an encounter on July 8 last year had triggered large-scale violence in the Valley, which witnessed stone-pelting incidents almost throughout the year.<br /><br />A senior official said security and intelligence gathering mechanism have been strengthened and that they are making all efforts to ensure there is no flare-up.<br /><br />Officers optimistic<br /><br />Officials are optimistic about Kashmir, saying the situation has improved a lot and is under control now, compared to the unrest in the Valley last year.<br /><br />The security establishment believes that terrorist organisations based in Pakistan would try to fan anger among youths in the state and try to take advantage of the situation.<br /><br />Sources also said security has been stepped up at military installations which were targeted by terrorists in the past.<br /><br />The security forces are painting a confident picture, saying only 19 out of 115 infiltration attempts were successful. <br /><br />However, official statistics presented before Parliament earlier this year showed that 88 Kashmiri youths joined militancy in 2016 which was the highest in the last six years. <br /><br />The Ministry of Home Affairs, however, told Parliament in March that the participation of youngsters in violence has “ceased” this year.<br /></div>
<div align="justify">Security agencies are keeping a close watch on Kashmir in view of the fast-approaching anniversary of Burhan Wani’s killing.<br /><br />Officials said all measures have been taken to ensure that the death anniversary does not become another moment for fuelling protests in the Valley.<br /><br />Wani’s killing by security forces in an encounter on July 8 last year had triggered large-scale violence in the Valley, which witnessed stone-pelting incidents almost throughout the year.<br /><br />A senior official said security and intelligence gathering mechanism have been strengthened and that they are making all efforts to ensure there is no flare-up.<br /><br />Officers optimistic<br /><br />Officials are optimistic about Kashmir, saying the situation has improved a lot and is under control now, compared to the unrest in the Valley last year.<br /><br />The security establishment believes that terrorist organisations based in Pakistan would try to fan anger among youths in the state and try to take advantage of the situation.<br /><br />Sources also said security has been stepped up at military installations which were targeted by terrorists in the past.<br /><br />The security forces are painting a confident picture, saying only 19 out of 115 infiltration attempts were successful. <br /><br />However, official statistics presented before Parliament earlier this year showed that 88 Kashmiri youths joined militancy in 2016 which was the highest in the last six years. <br /><br />The Ministry of Home Affairs, however, told Parliament in March that the participation of youngsters in violence has “ceased” this year.<br /></div>
