Amid border escalation, CRPF rushes additional battalions to J&K

Srinagar, May 8: Amid rising cross-border hostilities, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has deployed additional battalions to Jammu & Kashmir to reinforce border outposts and assist police in maintaining law and order in volatile areas of the Valley and Jammu division.

This reinforcement follows a high-level security review chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who on Tuesday instructed all paramilitary forces to intensify border deployment, particularly in states and Union Territories sharing frontiers with Pakistan and Nepal.

The decision comes in the backdrop of increased shelling and ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC), especially in the Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri sectors.

CRPF officials said that some battalions are already en route and will be stationed across key border points and hinterland areas to provide strategic support to the Jammu & Kashmir Police. “We have deployed additional battalions to bolster our presence at border outposts and ensure seamless coordination with the police in sensitive areas,” a senior CRPF official said. “All unit commanders have been ordered to remain in their areas of responsibility and avoid unnecessary troop movement.”

There are apprehensions, Pakistan-based infiltrators might try to exploit the current situation to push terrorists into J&K under the cover of intensified ceasefire violations. In response, security forces are tightening the grid across infiltration-prone zones and reinforcing surveillance through UAVs and night patrols.

The central government on Thursday revealed that 16 civilians, including three women and five children, have lost their lives in recent shelling from across the LoC.

In a clear signal of operational readiness, the CRPF has cancelled all leaves of personnel. “We have directed unit heads to adopt strict security measures, maintain a high level of alertness, and ensure troops are sensitized to any potential threat. Emergency protocols and contingency plans have been activated in all vulnerable locations,” the official said.

Home Minister Amit Shah has also urged Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of border states to ensure continuity of essential services like healthcare and food supplies during any potential crisis.