The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has dispatched a number of additional battalions to Jammu & Kashmir to strengthen border outposts and help police maintain law and order across key locations, it is learnt.
This comes a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed the heads of all paramilitary forces to strengthen such outposts in states and Union Territories that border Pakistan and Nepal.
A senior CRPF official said that some of the battalions were already on their way.
“We have sent these additional battalions to strengthen border outposts and also to coordinate with the state police for the deployment in the strategic locations in the Valley. We have also directed all the unit commanders to stay in their area and coordinate with all agencies concerned to remain updated with the evolving situation, and restrict unnecessary movement of troops and logistics,” the official said.
This comes at a time Pakistan has stepped up shelling across the Line of Control in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors in Jammu & Kashmir.
A government statement said: “Sixteen innocent lives have been lost, including three women and five children, due to Pakistani firing. Here too, India was compelled to respond to bring Mortar and Artillery fire from Pakistan to a halt.”
According to paramilitary officials, leaves have been cancelled and all personnel have been instructed to ensure precautions and arrangements to handle any contingency. “We have directed all the unit heads to ensure all security and precautionary measures in their area of responsibility and sensitize troops to keep extra vigil and alertness at the borders considering the security scenario to thwart any untoward incident,” an official said.
On Wednesday, Home Minister Shah had also asked Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of states bordering Pakistan and Nepal to ensure smooth operation of essential services, including hospitals, and uninterrupted supply of essential goods.
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