CRPF Takes Precautionary Measures Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan
CRPF Adjusts Operations in Response to Security Concerns
New Delhi: In light of the escalating military tensions with Pakistan, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has decided to suspend all transfer and posting orders, as well as delay training programs for its personnel, according to official sources on Friday.
The paramilitary organization has instructed the relocation of over two dozen companies, totaling around 2,400 personnel, to Jammu and Kashmir to enhance security in border regions alongside the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Army.
Sources indicate that the CRPF headquarters has mandated that all transfer and posting orders remain in 'abeyance,' requiring officers and personnel to stay at their current postings due to the evolving security landscape along the western and northern borders.
Additionally, several scheduled training sessions for troops have been postponed until June, with directives issued for personnel to remain at their deployment sites to prepare for any potential emergencies and to minimize unnecessary travel.
The Union Home Ministry has already instructed the CRPF and other central armed police forces (CAPFs), including the BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB, to cancel all leaves and ensure maximum troop availability in response to the heightened military activity against Pakistan.
The leadership of the CRPF, including Director General G P Singh, who has been stationed in Chhattisgarh for nearly 20 days, is also anticipated to visit Jammu and Kashmir, a key operational area for the force.
The CRPF is engaged in various operations, including anti-Naxal missions in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected regions and counter-insurgency efforts in the northeast.
Currently, the DG is in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, overseeing a significant anti-Naxal operation along the Telangana border that commenced on April 21, as reported by officials.
He is expected to travel to Jammu and Kashmir soon to assess operations and troop deployments, as well as to meet with Army Commanders and senior police and administrative officials.
The CRPF maintains approximately 65 battalions, comprising around 65,000-66,000 personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, tasked with counter-terrorism and law enforcement support to local police.
Following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 25 tourists and one local guide, leaders from other forces like the BSF and CISF have already visited Jammu and Kashmir.
The CRPF, with a total strength of about 325,000 personnel, is recognized as the country's primary internal security force.
Tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad have intensified following India's strikes on various targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday, as well as Pakistan's attempts to target Indian military sites on Thursday, which were successfully intercepted by Indian forces.