Center rushes 10,000 troops to J&K to strengthen counter-insurgency operations
What's the story
In a bid to strengthen counter-insurgency operations and law and order duties in Jammu & Kashmir, the Center is rushing an additional 10,000 central forces troops amid speculations about the scrapping of Article 35A. Union Home Ministry ordered "immediate" deployment of 100 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies, comprising 100 personnel each, on July 25. Another 100 companies are also likely to be moved.
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There is no reason to panic: Home Ministry Official
Officials said the fresh deployment of troops in J&K includes 50 companies from CRPF, 30 from SSB, and 10 each from BSF and ITBP. They are being airlifted and sent by trains. "The order of additional deployment is to strengthen the counter-insurgency network and maintain law and order in the state. There is no reason to panic," said a senior Home Ministry official.
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Troops deployed in addition to battalions already present in J&K
These new troops will be deployed in addition to the 65 regular battalions of CRPF deployed in the Kashmir valley and 20 battalions of other forces deployed for conducting the annual Amarnath Yatra that will conclude on August 15. A battalion comprises about 1,000 personnel.
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New troops to also help in conducting J&K Assembly polls
According to government officials, the new troops in J&K would also help in the smooth conduct of the Assembly elections later this year. However, some people in the Kashmir Valley, familiar with the development, said the troops are being rushed "in the process of being inducted and trained to prepare for a big event after the conclusion of the Amarnath Yatra on 15 August."
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Fresh deployment of troops follows NSA Ajit Doval's J&K visit
Interestingly, the Home Ministry's move to deploy additional troops comes after National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's two-day visit to J&K. He reviewed the law and order situation and took stock of the security and infrastructure development in the state which is under the President's rule.
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J&K, a political problem; won't be solved by military: Mehbooba
Meanwhile, former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti slammed the central government for its decision to deploy 10,000 additional troops in the Valley which "has created fear psychosis" among the people there. "There is no dearth of security forces in Kashmir. J&K is a political problem which won't be solved by military means. GOI needs to rethink & overhaul its policy," she tweeted.
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Center's decision has created fear psychosis amongst people: Mehbooba
Centre’s decision to deploy additional 10,000 troops to the valley has created fear psychosis amongst people. There is no dearth of security forces in Kashmir. JK is a political problem which won’t be solved by military means. GOI needs to rethink overhaul its policy.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) July 27, 2019