The government affirmed in the Lok Sabha today that the law and order situation in Jammu and Kashmir is much better this year. <br/><br/>Only 583 cases were registered during the current year as compared to 2897 in the previous year. In a written reply, Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said altogether 12,650 miscreants and separatists have either been arrested or bound down under preventive laws since 2016. <br/><br/>Separatists and trouble mongers have been kept under close surveillance to check their activities. The Police has initiated sports events, community vigilance and counselling to dissuade the miscreants. The State government has reported that the law and order situation in Kashmir Valley is now much better than in the previous year. <br/><br/>The Centre is keeping a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India's security and is taking all necessary measures to safeguard Jammu and Kashmir which is, and shall remain, an integral part of the country, the Minister said.