Srinagar, Mar 03: Inspector General of CRPF (operations) Kashmir M S Bhatia Friday said that security of all minority pickets in south Kashmir is being strengthened and reviewed each day.
Addressing the media on the sidelines of a sports event in Bijbehara, Anantnag in south Kashmir, he said they are in constant touch with the Kashmiri Pandits wherever they are residing in the Valley.
“All efforts are being made to strengthen their security and provide them with all possible security cover,” he said.
IG CRPF Ops Bhatia said security of all the minority pickets in South Kashmir and elsewhere is being reviewed on a daily basis to ensure a safe and secure environment for minorities.
The move comes 5 days after a Kashmiri Pandit, who was a bank guard by profession, was shot dead in the Pulwama district on Sunday, sparking wide condemnation by the local people and political parties.
About the number of Ultras active in Kashmir, the officer said the numbers keep changing but remaining terrorists will be neutralized in operation cleanout. “Our aim is to wipe out terror and its entire ecosystem in Kashmir, so that there will be a peaceful environment in the region,” he said.
IG CRPF Ops Bhatia said the forces are monitoring the entire situation in Kashmir. There is good synergy between the Police, Army and CRPF on the ground. We are continuously carrying out encounters and results are in front of everyone, he said.
Regarding use of latest technology, IG Bhatia said for us technologies are acting as force multipliers during anti-terrorism operations. It is our moral responsibility to keep our forces safe. Technological upgradation is important and recently we have used Critical Response Vehicles in encounters, he said.
“By using such technologies our Jawans remain also safe and we safely focus on our target without facing any collateral damage. Apart from CRV, we have bullet proof JCB’s, latest modern weaponry arms and equipment,” IG CRPF said.
Replying to a query taking over control in hinterlands in Valley, IG Ops Bhatia said it is a decision of the Indian Government.
“Whatever role is given to CRPF, we will work accordingly and in the past also CRPF has performed such roles. We will continue to work with zeal and dedication on the ground, he said.
IG CRPF Ops Bhatia said the aim of organizing sports events is to gain the trust of the local population. We want to give them a message that security forces are for your safety and to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the Valley,” he said.
“Youth participation in sports activities in large numbers is a sign of normalcy and progress J&K. I appeal to the youth of J&K to make themselves busy in sports activities, cultural events, engage in mainstream etc and make their future bright,” IG CRPF said.
He said unless they will not win the trust of the local population, we will not succeed in our aim. That is why sports tournaments under the Civic Action Programme are being held. So far we have succeeded in these programmes and got positive results,” IG Ops CRPF said.
