New CRPF Battalions Approved for Enhanced Security in Jammu & Kashmir
As reported by The New Indian Express, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has given preliminary approval to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to establish 20 new battalions. This move is intended to address emerging security challenges in Jammu & Kashmir and the apparent shortage of personnel within the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF). The addition will bring over 20,000 more personnel to the Union Territory, according to sources.
Sources indicate that the CRPF initially requested the creation of 35 additional battalions. However, the Ministry has currently sanctioned 20 battalions.
The CRPF proposed this expansion in October of last year, but the matter remained pending. Following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent 'Operation Sindoor' by the Indian Armed Forces, the government deemed it necessary to consider the proposal urgently.
During a meeting with MHA and CRPF officials, a decision was made to keep the proposal for 35 battalions under consideration while moving forward with the immediate approval of 20 battalions. This decision awaits the Union Cabinet's final nod, although the Union finance ministry has already cleared it, according to a source familiar with the developments.
It has been revealed that the newly formed battalions will have enhanced operational capabilities, specifically tailored to the terrain and security conditions of Jammu & Kashmir. This development aligns with the evolving responsibilities of the CRPF, especially with increasing threats from cross-border security issues.
Officials from the MHA have indicated that with the decline of Naxal activity, the Ministry's focus is shifting towards eradicating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The proposal involves establishing new General Duty Battalions, according to sources.
As security concerns grow in Jammu and Kashmir, the deployment of additional CRPF companies in the Union Territory is anticipated soon, sources have stated.
High-ranking security officials have highlighted that significant strategic and security changes are expected in the region. These changes will result in the deployment of more CRPF personnel to support the Jammu & Kashmir police in maintaining law and order and executing counter-terrorism measures.
Over time, the CRPF has expanded into a comprehensive and intricate organization, encompassing administrative and operational sectors, support institutions, and specialized units.
The CRPF currently operates with two administrative sectors, two operational sectors, 39 administrative ranges, 17 operational ranges, 43 group centers, four composite hospitals with 100-bed capacity, 18 composite hospitals with 50-bed capacity, six field hospitals, three central weapon reserves, seven ammunition workshops, and a broad array of operational units nationwide.
These units include 201 General Duty Battalions, six VIP Security Battalions, six Mahila Battalions, 16 Rapid Action Force Battalions, 10 CoBRA Battalions, seven Signal Battalions, one Parliament Duty Group, and one Special Duty Group.
The CRPF's primary responsibilities cover crowd and riot control, counter-insurgency and counter-militancy operations, confronting Left-Wing Extremism, managing security for elections in sensitive areas, VIP protection, securing vital installations, participating in UN peacekeeping missions, and conducting rescue and relief operations during natural disasters.
| Existing strength of CRPF troops: |
|---|
| 247 battalions |
| General Duty: 201 battalions |
| Mahila (Women) units: 6 battalions |
| Rapid Action Force: 16 battalions |
| Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA): 10 battalions |
(Each battalion generally consists of around 1,200 personnel)
