CRPF to replace BSF in South-North Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 20 (UNI) Ten more Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) battalions will be inducted into the valley to replace the Border Security Force (BSF) in North and South Kashmir, a senior CRPF officer said.

The CRPF would have now its own intelligence network in the valley, he said adding for which men were being trained.

''We are inducting ten more battalions of CRPF to take charge of counter-insurgency operations in major areas of Baramulla and Kupwara districts in north Kashmir and Pulwama and Anantnag districts in south Kashmir,'' Inspector General (operations) Vipen Kumar Sharma told reporters here today.

The process will start from the first week of next month, he said.

He said the CRPF had already replaced BSF in the summer capital of the Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar.

In reply to a question, he said six battalions would be deployed in North Kashmir while four in south Kashmir.

With this, a total of 59 battalions of the force would remain deployed in the valley which was one-third of the total strength of the CRPF, Mr Sharma said.

Mr Sharma said the CRPF would have its own intelligence network in the valley to generate intelligence about the militants and their hideouts.

''We have already started classes for the CRPF personnel, educating them how to work on tip-off provided by different sources and general public,'' he said.

Mr Sharma said two to three CRPF personnel of lower rank were being trained and given lecture by the intelligence officers of different forces, including BSF, ITBP and local police who had already served in the valley.

He said in the second phase, officers would be trained about how to spread the intelligence network.

''They are mainly being trained how to develop small information about militant plans, their hideouts and arms dumps and how to react accordingly,'' he said.

About the Human Rights (HR), Mr Sharma said there were very little complaints of HR violations against the CRPF.

''We take note of every complaint of HR violations,'' he said adding ''we have clear instructions to all that no violation will be tolerated.'' UNI BAS PK HT1720