After 15 years, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) today took over the charge of counter-insurgency operations in Srinagar. CRPF replaced the Border Security Force (BSF) which was carrying out anti-militancy operations in the Valley since 1990.By 2007, CRPF will completely replace BSF throughout the valley.BSF Inspector-General J.B. Negi, in a press conference today, formally announced the handover and said the force will be de-inducted from other areas of the Valley too in a phased manner. ‘‘We have de-inducted our forces from Srinagar,’’ said Negi. ‘‘The charge of the counter-insurgency operations in city has been handed over to the CRPF.’’Nine battalions of the CRPF have been de-inducted from Srinagar, some others have pulled out of Anantnag. Negi, however, said the force would continue its anti-militancy operations in other parts of the Valley till 2007.‘‘Our 23 battalions are still operating in Baramulla, Sopore, Tral, Badgam and Pulwama areas,’’ said Negi. ‘‘They will continue their counter-insurgency operations in these areas. The process of de-induction of the entire force from the Kashmir valley will be completed by 2007, The forces from these areas too will be de-inducted but in a phased manner.’’
