Express News Service
SRINAGAR: The CRPF has pulled out its men from north and south Kashmir to deploy them in sensitive Srinagar instead of directly inducting new companies that are being rushed to the restive Union Territory.
CRPF spokesman Abhiram Pankaj told this newspaper that some companies have been inducted in Srinagar after they were pulled out from north and south Kashmir. Terming it “rationalisation” of troops, he said none from the new companies arriving in the Valley are being deployed in Srinagar.
This newspaper had on October 23 reported that 5,000 more additional troops were being rushed to the Valley after surge in militant violence, especially targeted killings of migrant labourers in Srinagar. Another security official said after the arrival of additional companies, there has been internal re-deployment of paramilitary personnel.
“The new companies coming to the Valley don’t have enough experience. They will gain the experience during their stay in Kashmir. New companies have not been deployed at sensitive areas, including Srinagar, and have been deployed at static locations like security installations or residences of VIPs,” he said adding, “New companies have been deployed in less sensitive and less vulnerable areas. The CRPF men who have been for a longer duration in Kashmir understand the situation better and they are deployed for crowd dealing”.
Asked whether pulling out troops from north and south Kashmir would create security gaps, the official replied in the negative.
“The additional companies that arrived in the Valley to strengthen the security apparatus have already been deployed there.” On deployment of CRPF personnel in Srinagar, he said the force is well versed in dealing with the situation.
Meanwhile, a policeman was shot dead by terrorists in the Batamaloo area of the city on Sunday, officials said.
The cop, identified as constable Tausif Ahmad, was critically injured and taken to the SMHS hospital where doctors declared him brought dead, they said.
“At about 8 pm, terrorists fired upon Jammu and Kashmir Police constable Tausif Ahmad near his residence at S D Colony, Batamaloo,” an official said.
The area has been cordoned off, and a hunt has been launched to nab the attackers, they added.
Political parties, including the Congress, National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed anguish over the killing.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Ghulam Ahmad Mir termed the attack as shameful and mindless on the part of gunmen and said such incidents are highly condemnable and unacceptable in a civilised society.
“I am deeply saddened and shocked to learn about the killing of Touseef Ahmad,” Mir said and conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for courage to the family members to bear the irreparable loss.
The JKPCC president expressed serious concern over the “deteriorating” security situation and termed the attacks on policemen and civilians as matter of grave concern.
He urged the government to take effective measures to deal with the situation to end the bloodshed.
In a tweet, the NC said: “Unequivocally condemn the cowardly & dastardly attack on 29-year-old policeman in Batmaloo, Srinagar in which he lost his life. No words of condemnation would be enough! May Allah grant him a place in Jannat. Our hearts go out to his family and friends at this time of grief,” the NC said in a tweet.
The PDP tweeted: “Anguished by the attack in Batamaloo which has claimed the life of @JmuKmrPolice cop Tauseef Ahmed. May his family find strength to bear the loss.”
People’s Conference president Sajad Lone said he was pained to hear about the killing.
“Yet again an addition to army of orphans and widows. Pained to hear about the killing of Constable Touseef Ahmed. My heartfelt commiserations to the family. Inshallah Allah will grant Jannat,’ Lone said.
CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami also condemned the killing of the policeman.
(With PTI Inputs)
