Security situation in Srinagar vastly improved: CRPF IG

The security situation in Srinagar has improved and authorities have put all necessary measures in place to maintain peace, CRPF Inspector General (IG) Srinagar Sector Pawan Kumar Sharma said on Saturday, citing close coordination among security agencies.

Responding to a query on the overall security scenario, Sharma said the CRPF, along with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army and the civil administration, is working jointly to ensure stability in the region. “Every possible security measure has been taken in Srinagar and other areas,” he told reporters. He said CRPF troops have been deployed in the city and adjoining localities, and the force “is doing a good job” in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and civil administration.

His remarks come days after the Counter-Intelligence Wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted raids at several locations in the Valley in a terror conspiracy case involving a doctor.

Officials clarified that the searches were not related to the “white collar” terror module or the Delhi blast case. The raids were conducted in Srinagar, Anantnag and Kulgam districts. While no terror incident has taken place in the city in recent months, an accidental explosion at the Nowgam police station on November 14 killed nine people and injured 32 others.

The blast occurred while police and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams were collecting samples of explosives recovered in the “white collar” module.

Sharma was speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of a cricket tournament. He said the CRPF has been organising the event for the past three years, with teams from Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal taking part. This year, he said, 123 nominations were received, but only 16 were selected by draw.

“The aim is to have maximum youth connect with sports. This year, teams must include players below the ages of 19 and 23. There is a tremendous interest in cricket in Kashmir and people play with a lot of enthusiasm. Through cricket, our attempt is to connect with the people so that peace and calm remain intact,” he said.