SRINAGAR: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has given in-principle approval to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to raise 20 new battalions, adding over 20,000 personnel for deployment in Jammu and Kashmir, reports said.
Initially, the CRPF had sought approval for 35 battalions, but the Ministry has sanctioned 20 as an immediate measure following the April 22 Pahalgam militant attack and the subsequent ‘Operation Sindoor’. The Finance Ministry has already cleared the proposal, and final approval from the Union Cabinet is expected soon.
Reports indicated that the new battalions will be equipped with enhanced operational capabilities suited to Jammu and Kashmir’s terrain and security requirements. With a strategic shift from Naxal-affected regions to counter-militancy efforts in the Union Territory, the move is seen as part of a broader security recalibration.
Additional CRPF companies are expected to be deployed across Jammu and Kashmir shortly, with senior officials indicating major security restructuring to assist local police in maintaining law and order and conducting anti-militancy operations. (KNT)
