Strength of CRPF to be trimmed down in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 24 (ANI): Consequent to signs of peace returning in Jammu and Kashmir, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is being gradually withdrawn.

At the outset, five formations, three from Jammu and two from the Valley areas will be withdrawn in the coming weeks.

Further, in place of CRPF, the Indian Reserve Police Force (IRPF), a joint security outfit of central and state governments, is being deployed in Jammu.

"Before their deployment elsewhere, they will have to undergo training and then induction, which is under process. Later, they will be deployed," informed Prabakhar Tripathi, Public Relation Officer, CRPF, Srinagar.

Meanwhile, the IRPF contingent of 1100 personnel is undergoing familiarisation training at the Police Training School in Kathua located in Jammu region.

It may be recalled that almost all the political parties had been insisting on the withdrawal of all the paramilitary forces and reinstate the responsibility of maintaining law and order to the local police.

"During the Chief Ministers' conference held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh agreed that there has been a remarkable improvement in this area.

But still there are infiltration and encounters taking place on the borders," said Ali Muhammad Sagar, Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Jammu and Kashmir.

He also mentioned that in due course, the paramilitary forces would be withdrawn almost completely from the peaceful areas.

The CRPF troops had been deployed in the state to assist the local law enforcing agencies in foiling insurgency in the region. (ANI)