The organization called Indian Reserve Police (IRP) was raised in 1972 when it was felt that states need adequate force to ensure law and order worked smoothly. J&K has been reeling under insurgency for last two decades and half. Para-military forces like BSF, CRP, ITBP and other forces have been deployed adequately to challenge the insurgents within the State or infiltrators on the border. The popular Governments have been approaching the Centre for raising battalions of Reserve Police for the State for strengthening security especially in more disturbed areas in the State. The question of raising more battalions in the country has been under discussion of the Central Government and now the cabinet has given its agreement of raising 17 new battalions of IRP out of which 5 battalions will be meant for J&K. This has a salutary effect on the State especially the border area. Recruitment to the new battalions will be made mostly from the local youth in border districts for J&K. About 60 per cent of recruitment is reserved for the youth of the border to be recruited as constables. It is estimated that about 5,500 youth will be absorbed in the battalions and this will strengthen the security of the border which these battalions will man once they are in place.
We welcome this decision of the Cabinet. However, we would like to emphasize that giving best type of training to the recruits is not enough unless they are equipped with most modern and sophisticated weapons. They need such weapons as can counter those of the terrorist, infiltrators and insurgents. Moreover we expect the Government to provide full infrastructure for these recruits, taking care of their needs and those of their families. This is a major step in alleviating unemployment among the border people who are otherwise deprived segments of society.
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