Srinagar, Feb 13: On the sixth anniversary of the deadly Pulwama terror attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel, top CRPF officials highlighted significant improvements in counter-terrorism measures, emphasizing advances in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), equipment, and training aimed at preventing such incidents in the future.
A senior CRPF official told Rising Kashmir that substantial changes have been made to enhance the safety of convoys on highways, with the forces now better prepared to respond to terrorist threats effectively.
“Over the past five years, the CRPF has undergone substantial transformations. The equipment at our disposal has significantly improved, and our preparedness ensures that terrorists face a strong response,” the official said.
The officials said that security measures have been bolstered with the installation of CCTV cameras at key locations along highways.
“Army convoy movements are now monitored through drone surveillance, and personnel are being transported in bulletproof bunkers to enhance safety,” he said.
Specialized training is being provided to Road Opening Parties (ROP) in alignment with modern security practices, and new SOPs have been put in place to avert potential attacks.
The CRPF official said that specialized training is being provided to ROP’s in line with modern security practices, and new SOPs have been framed to prevent such attacks in the future.
In line with these advancements, instead of moving in large convoys, like the one on February 14, 2019 with 78 vehicles, it was decided that personnel will move in smaller contingents with a maximum of 40 vehicles.
“Traffic movement on highways is now strictly controlled, and there is no compromise on security. Enhanced precautionary measures are in place to prevent untoward incidents,” the official added.
Regarding the overall security situation in Kashmir, he said that Valley has witnessed significant improvement over the past 5 years. Law and order incidents have been effectively contained by security forces, marking a positive shift,” he said.
He also highlighted the successful counterinsurgency operations against terrorist groups. “We have been able to significantly weaken terrorist networks, eliminating top leadership of Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen terror groups in recent years,” he said.
“Although terrorists continue their attempts, the neutralization of their top commanders has significantly reduced recruitment efforts,” the official said.
Meanwhile, Kashmir has seen a decline in Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blasts post-Pulwama attack. In these six years, they have detected 26 IED’s that were placed on public places like highways (roads), vehicles, schools, and bridges.
