Credits people for decline in militancy in Kashmir
Srinagar: Inspector General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Ajay Kumar Yadav on Tuesday said the current situation in Kashmir Valley is peaceful and if need be, his force will intensify anti-terror operations.
In an interview with PTI video, Yadav said the overall situation is under control.
“The current situation in Srinagar and Kashmir is excellent and in the coming times, it is going to improve further,” Yadav said.
However, he quickly added that his force will intensify the anti-terror operations in the Valley if required.
“But as of now, the situation is very peaceful. We hope that the situation remains the same in the time to come,” Yadav said.
The IG CRPF said “all the strategies that are required to be adopted, including association with the public, support of youth and the people around, is what we aspire for and which we are doing right now”.
Replying to a question on the presence of CRPF’s women personnel in the Valley, Yadav said that the women force is engaged in airport security duties besides participating in the cordon search operation with the teams.
“We have the women personnel deployed in the Valley. They are at the airport, they’re with the cordon search operation teams, they’re given all the opportunities and the platforms to work. They are doing service for the nation, for the force and they’re providing excellent support to us,” he said.
Yadav also said the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the youth, deserve credit for the decline in militancy-related violence in the Valley.
“There has been a huge support of the people, the youth. It would not have been possible without your support. The voice of new Kashmir is being seen in the fields, be it in cricket, football or other sports.
“So, the major contribution has been of the youth of Kashmir, the people of Kashmir,” Yadav said when he was asked who deserved credit for the decrease in militancy in the Valley.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of a football tournament organised by the CRPF in Srinagar, he said, “It is my strong belief that the coming year will be better than today and the people will lend their support,” Yadav added.
As many as 16 teams from central Kashmir, including four from Downtown Srinagar, are participating in the tournament.
“This is ‘Naya Kashmir’ and the youth will march ahead. I am hopeful that many youths from this tournament will play for India in the future. Sports also plays a very important role in keeping youths away from drugs,” he said.
Yadav said the tournament has been organised especially keeping the youth in mind.
The aim is to engage the youth, provide them a path to live their lives in a better way and provide an opportunity for them to play at the national level. I am sure that many good players will emerge out of the tournament, he said.
“We have promised that the CRPF will keep the youth engaged. These tournaments are a part of the civic action programme,” he added.
Asked if the paramilitary force was ready to provide security for elections in J&K, the IG said the CRPF is ready for any responsibility.
He said the tournament would be an annual feature.
