No reduction in CRPF deployment in J and K : CRPF DG

New Delhi, Oct 26 (UNI) The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) today ruled out any reduction in their deployment in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the potency and designs of terrorists in the state had not come down even though the levels of violence had slightly declined.

CRPF Director General S I S Ahmed, addressing his annual press conference here on the occasion of the 68th anniversary of the force, said they had inputs that ULFA was getting support from Pakistan's ISI. ULFA also operated from Bangladesh, he added.

He said he did not foresee any reduction in the CRPF deployment.

However, some personnel may have to be re-deployed.

''The level of violence (in the valley) has slightly reduced.

That does not mean the potency of terrorists has reduced. Their (terrorists') designs continue. I can't foresee that the CRPF deployment can be reduced,'' he said in reply to a question.

The potential of terrorists had not reduced. However, in some areas they were getting isolated and local support was waning.

Bulk of the CRPF of its 201 battalions is deployed in J and K and the Northeastern region.

In Naxalite prone areas, the CRPF were trying to change tactics regarding movement in view of ambushes and landmine attacks by Left Wing extremists. The maximum problem was in Chhatisgarh where the CRPF had maaximum deployment.

Replying to another question, the DG said they had inputs that ULFA was getting direct or indirect support from the ISI.

They haad also deployed two battalions in Arunachal and one battalion along the border with Myanmar to check terrorists who operate from India-Myanmar border areas.

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