Situation in Kashmir Valley peaceful this year: CRPF

Srinagar, July 20: The pressure mounted by security forces on the militants and the initiatives taken by the government has ensured that the situation in Kashmir Valley has remained peaceful this year, a senior CRPF officer said here today (Jul 20).

"The situation this year has remained peaceful in the Kashmir Valley due to the pressure mounted by the security forces on the militants," Special Director General of CRPF Anirudh Uppal told reporters on the sidelines of a function at central Kashmir's Budgam district.

Several top militant commanders of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) have been killed in anti-insurgency operations carried out by the army, police and CRPF in Kashmir Valley this year. Five top ultras were killed in Lolab area of Kupwara district earlier this month.

Uppal said the initiatives taken by the government to engage the youth of the Valley in a positive way have also helped to ensure stability and peace in Kashmir.

"It is a combination of all these factors, including the situation across the border," he said.

The Special DG of CRPF was in Kashmir to inaugurate a T20 Cricket tournament at Shiekhpura ground in Budgam, 12 kms from here.

"Cricket has a direct relation to the temperament of a player ... it can help in toning down the temperament," he added.

He said 16 teams from Budgam and adjoining areas will be taking part in the tournament, which began today.

Meanwhile, 161 Battalion CRPF has also organised an under-19 inter school T20 cricket tournament at Government Higher Secondary School Zadibal in Srinagar.

PTI