Will ensure best security arrangements for J&K bypolls: CRPF

Srinagar: Though militant activities have increased in Jammu and Kashmir, the security forces will ensure best possible arrangements for the upcoming Lok Sabha by-polls, a top CRPF official said today.

Special DG, CRPF, S N Srivastava's remark came against the backdrop of three militant attacks in as many days here ahead of the by-polls to Srinagar and Anantnag parliamentary constituencies on April 9 and 12.

"An increase in militant activities was always expected. We already knew that such a thing will happen.

"We are always ready for the challenge and will ensure that security arrangements for elections are as good as possible," he told reporters on the sidelines of the wreath laying ceremony held for the CRPF jawan killed in yesterday's attack.

The Special DG said the security forces were trying their best to stop militant attacks on the convoys.

"We are trying our best to stops attacks on convoys. The security forces deploy road opening parties (ROPs) and follow all rules and guidelines ... Standard operating procedures.

"The movement of convoys takes place every day and it is due to these security forces that we are able to safeguard the movement of jawans," he said.
Srivastava said the forces have been successful to a great extent in stopping militant activities in the Valley.

"Our officers and jawans are alert. Senior officers and jawans are at their duty points and we are doing whatever best we can," he said.

Asked whether the CRPF, which deals with law and order problems and is also part of counter-insurgency operations in the Valley, was facing a tough job, the special DG said the job is difficult but the force is up for it.

"We are and we have done some good work in such kind of situations and will continue doing so," he said.