With 47,000 personnel, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is the largest central force currently deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. Large-scale violence has erupted in the Kashmir Valley since Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces on July 8, 2016. The Home Ministry has said that 88 Kashmiri youths joined militancy in 2016 and 87 security force personnel were killed in the State in 2016, the highest in eight years. The acting DG of CRPF, Sudeep Lakhtakia , talks to Vijaita Singh on the current situation in the Valley.
Has the Centre given any instructions on how to handle the situation in Kashmir?
The instructions are the same as before. We are handling it with a lot of patience and restraint. We have asked jawans to face the challenges, play down the provocations and avoid collateral damage. At the same time be very effective.
Anything specific on using weapons at the protesters?
There is a graded response to deal with law and order. The challenge is that it escalates fast. One will know when the situation has aggravated to a volatile one. We have had situations when people have thrown grenades, Molotov cocktails and even fired at us. If the jawans are fired upon, one cannot expect them to use lathis. It quickly escalates from a usual incident of violence to an aggressive mob, which is out there to lynch.
Do you have instructions to open fire at protesters?
The situation will be dealt with on how it shapes out on the ground. We can negotiate accordingly. Either by using tear-smoke shells, if the protesters go away it’s fine, if they don’t, then we calibrate the response whether to fire pellet guns or live ammunition.
Is your force reaching out to the people, especially after the situation deteriorated with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani being killed in an encounter on July 8, last year?
We have various schemes under the civic action programme, where we are reaching out to the people. We are organising trips for school children and building infrastructure. Everywhere the reception is not hostile; at many places people are grateful. There are a handful of dedicated mischievous elements, perhaps paid or whatever.
Have you identified such people?
In the recent case, where a video surfaced of CRPF jawans on election duty in Budgam, being kicked, punched and abused, we have identified 10 people who were involved in the act. Three suspects are being currently interrogated and the State police are looking out for others. An FIR is also registered.
Which is more difficult to handle? North or South Kashmir?
Challenges are there in both the areas and they vary from day to day. South Kashmir appears to be more challenging for us. Sloganeering is not an issue for us but the mob is damaging government property, stalling democratic election process, indulging in sabotage and assaulting policemen.
What is your strategy to overcome the situation?
It is a continuous process, the government keeps on taking decisions.
How many CRPF personnel have been injured?
Since July 8, 2016 after Burhan Wani was killed, more than 3500 personnel have been injured and also one of our commandants – Pramod Kumar was killed. There was an attack on a CRPF convoy in Pampore and another on a CRPF election party. Five are still hospitalised.
Are all protesters paid?
I cannot say it, that’s for the local police to answer. We are dealing with the situation, what is behind the situation is the charter of the State police .
There has been massive resurgence of violence since Burhan Wani was killed. What does your assessment say?
We are bracing up and preparing ourselves. I cannot gauge whether the violence will be more or less this year. We hope it’s better. Because of elections in Srinagar constituency, the viral video and a couple of major operations against militants, there is lot of talk of violence in the air. That is the thing on everyone’s mind. But we are preparing for the tourist season.
There was a proposal by the CRPF to buy more pellet guns?
Not just pellet guns, we are procuring more of law and order equipments, body gears, more vehicles, bullet-proof jackets and helmets. There are 47 battalions (47,000) CRPF personnel currently deployed in Kashmir.
There was a plan to modify pellet guns to contain the damage inflicted by it?
We are getting deflectors. The idea is that bullets don’t spray on the vital parts. It is to contain damage and it’s being procured. It is not available off the shelf. Fifty pieces are already on the way.
What are the other challenges?
Every counter-insurgency operation has become complex. There are two elements — one is to contain the terrorist holed up in a building or anywhere else and the other is to control the crowds who are pelting stones at us. So we have to handle law and order as well as participate in counter-insurgency operations. It is not unidirectional.
It is being said that the situation in Kashmir has gone back to the early 90s?
I don’t think the comparison is correct.
