Addl CRPF personnel deployed in Valley head for poll-bound states

Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 17

With improvement in the law and order situation in Kashmir, the additional CRPF companies rushed during last year’s unrest in Kashmir have started moving out from the region.

They will be deployed for duties during the upcoming elections in Punjab and UP.

Out of the 102 additional companies (nearly 10,000 men) of the CRPF that were deployed across the Valley to quell widespread protests that erupted after the killing of militant Burhan Wani, over 50 per cent personnel of the force have already moved out.

“The additional companies that have moved out or are in process of withdrawing are being deployed in the election-bound states,” said Inspector General, CRPF, Ravideep Singh Sahi. “The decision to withdraw additional companies was also taken as the overall situation on the ground in Kashmir has improved.”

CRPF spokesman in Srinagar Rajesh Yadav said out of 102 additional companies, 55 have already moved out of the Valley. “Fiftyfive companies have already moved out and have reported to the parent units. The rest will be moving in a phased manner depending on the Srinagar-Jammu road condition,” Yadav said.

The withdrawal of the additional companies is likely to complete by the end of this month. The Army had deployed five additional battalions, mostly in south Kashmir, during the unrest. These additional men continue to remain deployed on the ground.