CRPF to change deployment, patrol strategy to curb weapon

CRPF today said it is working on changing the strategy of deployment and patrolling in order to curb the incidents of weapon-snatching by militants in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the recent killing of two of its personnel in Anantnag district.
"We are going to change the strategy to stop weapon snatching incidents. We don't what them to take away our weapons or that we suffer any damages in these incidents. We are working on that," Director General CRPF Prakash Mishra told reporters here.
The DG CRPF was replying to a question about the killing of two personnel of the force at Sangam in Anantnag district on Sunday in a militant attack.

The ultras fled from the scene taking along the weapons of the slain cops.
Mishra said the weapon-snatching has been a practice with "terrorists and anti-national elements" and it will take time to curb such incidents.
"It is very difficult to rule out such incidents. We are changing the road opening drill so that we are able to do our job and our jawans also remain safe. This will be done very soon.

"Apart from that, we are working with the state police to tackle militancy. To say that such incidents can be stopped immediately is not possible. It will take time," he said.

On the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, the DG CRPF said there were no inputs with the force to suggest that the militants were planning to carry out attacks on the annual pilgrimage to south Kashmir Himalayas later this year.
Mishra refused to comment on whether Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) should continue in the trouble-torn state.
"AFSPA is not applicable to us. So, I would not like to comment on this," he said.
In response to a question, Mishra said it was a matter of satisfaction that youth of the state were joining the armed forces in good numbers.
"We are happy that Kashmiri youth are taking part in it (army recruitment rallies).

The Chief Minister is also keen that more youths should join the forces. We are giving a proposal for special recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir," he added.