‘Will go by mandate given to us’: CRPF on its role in counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir

The CRPF had replaced the BSF in counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir in 2005, amid scepticism that the former might not be able to keep up the high standards of the frontier guards

“The CRPF is fully equipped and capable of taking the lead role in counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir in case the paramilitary force is tasked to do so”, a senior officer of the force has said.

He said that though the security situation has drastically improved in the Valley in the past three years, the force was alert and keeping a watch on delinquent elements.

"The CRPF has the potential, ability, training, and technology to operate effectively in such (counter-insurgency) scenarios that is all I can say on this issue," IG CRPF (Kashmir Operations) M.S. Bhatia told PTI.

He was responding to a question about a report in a national daily in February which claimed that the Central Government was actively considering to withdraw the Army from hinterland operations in Kashmir in a phased manner.

"This is a policy issue which is decided at the highest level. And we will go by whatever mandate is given to us. Right now also, we are actively involved in operations along with the Army and the J&K Police," Mr. Bhatia said.

The CRPF had replaced the BSF in counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir in 2005, amid scepticism that the former might not be able to keep up the high standards of the frontier guards.

IG CRPF (Kashmir Operations) M.S. Bhatia said there has been a “big change” in the situation in the Valley post the abrogation of Article 370.