New Delhi, July 16: The Union Home Ministry has approved the raising of 20 new CRPF battalions, adding over 20,000 personnel, for deployment in Jammu and Kashmir, sources said on Tuesday.
The CRPF had initially sought 35 battalions, but in view of the April 22 Pahalgam militant attack and ‘Operation Sindoor’, 20 have been cleared for now. The Finance Ministry has approved the proposal, with Union Cabinet clearance expected soon.
The new units will be specialised for operations in J&K, reflecting a strategic shift as the focus moves from Naxal-affected regions to counter-militancy efforts in the Union Territory.
Additional CRPF companies are expected to arrive in J&K shortly to assist police in law and order and anti-militancy operations
