Additional 100 central force companies likely in Kashmir | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Additional 100 central force companies likely in Kashmir

Jul 28, 2019 02:10 PM IST

In this regard, the Union home ministry has written in a communique sent to the state chief secretary, home secretary and the director general of police (DGP).

An additional 100 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will be deployed in Jammu and Kashmir to reinforce counter-insurgency operations and maintain law and order, the Union home ministry has written in a communique sent to the state chief secretary, home secretary and the director general of police (DGP).

Of the 100 companies to be deployed, 50 will be from the CRPF, 10 from the BSF, 30 from the SSB and 10 from the ITBP.(AP File Photo)
Of the 100 companies to be deployed, 50 will be from the CRPF, 10 from the BSF, 30 from the SSB and 10 from the ITBP.(AP File Photo)

In the letter sent late on Thursday, Mukesh Taterway of the home ministry’s state division wrote, “In order to strengthen (the) counter insurgency grid as well as for maintaining (the) law and order situation in J&K, deployment of additional 100 companies of CAPFs shall be made.” A senior police officer said the companies would replace paramilitary units in the state.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

One company comprises around 120 men. Of the 100 companies, 50 will be from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 10 from the Border Security Force (BSF), 30 from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and 10 from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), according to the letter.

The companies have yet to be moved, but concerns have already surfaced in Kashmir over the proposed additional deployment. Bureaucrat-turned-politician Shah Faesal was the first to react to the letter being circulated widely on social media.

“This MHA communiqué regarding deployment of additional 100 Cos of CAPF is fueling huge anxiety in Kashmir. No one knows why this sudden mobilization of forces is being done. Rumour is that something sinister is about to happen. Article 35a? It is going to be a long night,” he tweeted.

Article 35A grants the Jammu and Kashmir legislature the right to determine the criteria for permanent residency in the state and bestow residents with special rights and privileges for acquiring property and government jobs, among others.

Former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti also took to Twitter. “Centre’s decision to deploy additional 10,000 troops to the Valley has created fear psychosis amongst people. There is no dearth of security forces in Kashmir. J&K is a political problem which won’t be solved by military means. GOI needs to rethink & overhaul its policy.”

Muneer Khan, additional director general of police, law and order, Jammu and Kashmir, said the additional companies from outside would replace training companies of paramilitary forces in the state. He appealed to the people to ignore rumour mongers. “One hundred companies of paramilitary forces will replace training companies, which are deployed for various duties since last year starting from the local body, panchayat and parliamentary polls. There are more than 200 training companies at present, performing duties in Kashmir since September last year and which are to be replaced in a phased manner,” he said.

They are not being trained, hence regular companies are being brought in to replace them, he added. “Training companies cannot be deployed at a stretch unless there is some extraordinary situation. They are overstretched now. They are performing duties since September, hence have to be replaced. It is a routine process,” he said.

“I don’t know who is spreading these rumours. They are doing harm to the people because such rumours will help hoarders make quick money via the black market,” he added.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates, Bihar Board 12th Result Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    A principal correspondent, Ravi Krishnan Khajuria is the bureau chief at Jammu. He covers politics, defence, crime, health and civic issues for Jammu city.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On