CRPF on Friday claimed that there are 200 militants currently active in Kashmir and that the paramilitary force was much capable to combat insurgency.
“Both local and foreigner militants fighting security forces in Kashmir are at present 200 in number and are scattered all across. I can tell you that CRPF is a disciplined force, capable enough to fight the militancy,” Additional Director General (ADG) CRPF, Surendra Kumar Bhagat told reporters in Srinagar.
He added that there are various versions coming to fore about the exact number of militants present in Kashmir but the estimate with the CRPF is around 200. “Though the number may vary within various intelligence agencies but the inputs being received by the CRPF suggest that the militants active on ground are 200,” he said.
Commenting over the reports of radicalization of the youth in the valley, Bhagat termed the trend “worrisome”, saying there is no particular community which could get lured towards the violence and that the youth who, as per reports, are getting radicalized possibly would not be from any particular sect or religion.
“It is not necessary that the radicals would be Islamic only but there may be Hindu radicals or Jewish radicals also,” he said.
“Radicalization of youth is a challenge before the state government in every aspect including development, education, better facilities and meeting the aspirations of people at large. The more it is able to do so, the better the situation shall be,” Bhagat said.
While replying to a query about ISIS in Kashmir, Bhagat said that as it has been seen that some people here waves Pakistan and ISIS flags. “These flags raising incidents could just be an attempt by some people perhaps to swat otherwise,” Bhagat said.
Meanwhile, a passing-out-cum-attestation parade of newly recruited constables of the Central Reserve Police Force was held at Humhama in which scores of fresh constables were awarded.
Bhagat while speaking to media persons said that more than 600 youth got trained by the CRPF, who will be posted in different parts of the Valley to deliver their best for the country.
