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| CRPF warns against troop cut, says intrusions escalating | | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | Oct 26
Ahead of Defence Minister AK Antony's significant situation assessment visit to Srinagar, the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force has warned of any move to reduce the troop strength in Jammu and Kashmir as the infiltration from across the border is reportedly escalating.
The CRPF commenting on the seriousness of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir also indicated the possibilities of militants possessing liquid weapons in the state.
The statement of CRPF Director General SIS Ahmed assumed significance as Defence Minister AK Antony to arriving in Srinagar Saturday to make an assessment of the situation.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi today, Ahmed said, 'incidents of violence have come down in the Kashmir valley, but at the same time infiltration is on the rise. Terrorism is still intact and militants are trying to regroup. They are continuously planning something or other,' S.I.S. Ahmed, CRPF director general, told reporters here.
We should not withdraw or cut troops at any cost from the valley, but at certain places like community centres, schools and other public places, we are relocating troops to minimise inconvenience to residents there,' Ahmed said at the annual CRPF press conference.
The CRPF, which is responsible for maintaining security in Kashmir along with the Border Security Force (BSF), has more than 200 battalions with a total strength of 260,000 troopers and officials. The force has deployed 72 battalions, around 40 percent of the force, to quell insurgency and maintain law and order in the terror-hit state.
The CRPF stance is at variance with that of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), which has been continuously demanding a troop cut in Kashmir. The PDP had also threatened to pull out from the ruling alliance with Congress over the issue.
Ahmed said the force had this year neutralised 71 terrorists and apprehended 206 others besides seizing 127 weapons, 116 kg of explosives and 60 grenades in Jammu and Kashmir. 'During the course of action, CRPF lost 12 of its gallant personnel besides injuries to 37 others,' Ahmed said.
He said CRPF would be taking complete charge of the valley from the BSF next year - a move that was earlier scheduled for this year. There are currently five battalions of BSF deployed in Srinagar.
Meanwhile, the visiting Defence Minister will also inaugurate the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (JIMWS), Pahalgam and attend its Executive Council and General Body Meetings.
Set up in October 1983, the JIMWS imparts theoretical and practical training in mountaineering and rock climbing techniques. It also provides training in winter sports. |
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