JK police can't fight militancy alone: Govt

Jammu, Feb 8 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir police, though well- equipped, could not handle militancy independently in the state, the state Legislative Council was informed today.

While replying to a question raised by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLC Nizam-ud-din Bhat, Minister for State for Home Affairs Taj Moin-ud-din told the upper House that state police requires help from the Army and para military forces to effectively tackle militancy in the state. He, however, added that the force was sufficient to maintain general law and order.

The Minister said state police requires to be reinforced by raising additional armed battalions.

The deployment of Central para military forces would continue in the state till the strength of police force is increased to the required level to fight the proxy war waged by various militant ] outfits active in the state.

A proposal for raising of 15 battalions has already been sent to the Union Government, he said.

UNI