Adil Lateef
SRINAGAR, Oct 31: The Inspector General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Atul Karwal, today said that the militancy in Kashmir has suffered major setback in last two months due to eliminations of key commanders.
“The security forces have neutralized 24 militants including top commanders since September. Some other militants were also killed due to infighting. So, for sure they have suffered heavy losses,” the IG said.
Karwal said the CRPF, which is actively assisting Army and police in counter-insurgency operations, is increasing its capabilities to battle militancy. He said the militants are now using social media to lure local youths towards militancy. “The recent rise in local recruitment is a result of militants’ online propaganda. However, the militancy related incidents are on decrease and we are maintaining continuous pressure on them,” he said.
The IG said that the CRPF has began to reduce the duty hours of its men deployed in Kashmir in order to counter the growing mental stress among jawans as they are battling militancy and are on frontline to counter the violent protests almost every week simultaneously. The CRPF further said the militancy in Valley has suffered blow after elimination of key commanders since September.
Karwal said that various steps have been taken for the security, safety and mental health of the soldiers. He said besides increasing operational capabilities vis-à-vis militancy, the CRPF personnel on ground have been asked to maintain utmost restraint while dealing with violent mobs in order to minimize civilian casualties.
“As you know that we are on frontline along with Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) in Valley to deal and counter the stone-throwing protests. We follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) during these protests and we are giving better equipments and training to our men in order to deal with stone-pelters and minimize injuries and damage to our vehicles,” the IG said.
Karwal said that nearly 200 CRPF men have been injuries during violent protests this year. “Out of 200, our 70 to 80 men were injured since last two weeks following the death of a trucker and subsequent events,” he said. He added that to decrease the pressure among jawans and boost their confidence, the CRPF has started to decrease their duty hours.
“Earlier, they (CRPF men) had to do duty from morning to evening. Now we have minimized their duty hours and we are also giving them weekly off. The duty hours of Road Operational Parties (ROPs) have also been reduced. Besides, if they complain of stress and mental disturbance, we provide them medical counseling. We also brief team together,” he said. He admitted that the injuries in protests and no leave sanctions are among the reasons of stress among jawans of CRPF.
Earlier, the CRPF men hailing from Kashmir valley who died battling militants and Naxals were remembered by the Force at Base Camp here in Rambagh area of city. The event, which was held for the first time, saw the participation of families of 12 slain CRPF men. The IG said these 12 CRPF men died in Valley as well as in North East States.
The IG on the occasion presented shawls to the widows of these slain CRPF men and assured them of all possible help and redressal of their problems. “We have opened a grievance cell for these families and they can contact any time in case of problem,” the IG CRPF said.
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