South Kashmir situation a challenge: CRPF officer

Srinagar May 5 (IANS) A top paramilitary officer said on Friday that militancy was on the rise in south Kashmir as more locals were joining the militant ranks causing serious concern to security forces.

Ravideep Sahai Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) said: The situation in south Kashmir is a challenging one. Militancy is on the rise there and more locals are joining the militant ranks.

It is a cause for concern and that is why the intensity of security operations is being increased in these areas he said.

About the bank robberies in south Kashmir he said: A largescale cordon and search operation has been started in the areas to instil confidence among the people and to stop robberies and killings in these areas.

The CRPF officer said it was unfortunate that local police and security men living in south Kashmir areas were being threatened by the militants.

The officer said if motivated news against the security of the country was spread through any medium such media should be banned in national interests.

--IANS
sq/mr