Militancy has shown a downward trend by over 30 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir [Images] as 389 persons were killed in the state till August this year against 527 last year.

As many as 389 persons died in the militancy related incidents in first eight months this year as compared to death of 527 last year for the same period, the official data compiled by the security agencies said.

This shows that the militancy is on a continuous down trend by nearly 30 per cent and further fall in the civilian killings from 140 civilian deaths last year to 55 this year by August end.

Similarly, as against 72 security force personnel and policemen killed in first eight months of 2007, 73 were killed this year, it said, adding 216 militants were killed this year as against 315 last year.

For the same period of 2006, a total of 760 people were killed, it said, adding it included 256 civilians, 103 security force and policemen, while 401 were militants.

Giving further details, it said 34 persons, including three civilians, five security men and 26 ultras were killed in January this year followed by 38 killings in February, which included five security men and 34 militants.

Similarly, a total of 40 people (12 civilians, six jawans and 22 militants) were killed in March followed by killing of 44 persons (three civilians, five security men and 36 ultras) in April, 41 persons (eight civilians, seven security men and 26 militants) in May, 48 persons (one civilian, 10 jawans and 37 ultras in June), 82 persons (17 civilians, 25 security men and 40 militants) in July and 54 persons (10 civilians, 9 security men and 35 ultras) killed in August this year.