MHA gives nod, Cabinet approval soon
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 16: The Home Ministry is understood to have approved raising of 20 new battalions of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for deployment in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources told the Excelsior that the CRPF had sought approval for 35 battalions, but the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sanctioned 20 bns as an immediate measure.
Raising of new battalions comes in the wake of April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians including 25 tourists and a local were killed.
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Sources said the Finance Ministry has already cleared the proposal. Now, the Union Cabinet has to approve it which is also expected soon.
“The new battalions will be equipped with enhanced operational capabilities, tailored to J&K’s terrain and security needs,” the sources said.
The CRPF had reportedly initiated the proposal sometime in October last year.
“During a meeting with officers of the MHA and CRPF, it was decided that while the full 35-battalion proposal will remain under consideration, but in the immediate future, approval could be granted for 20 battalions.
The newly-raised battalions would be more specialized in their operational capabilities, the sources said.
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