Centre Moves To Counter Terror After Recent Incidents In Poonch-Rajouri; Orders Creation Of Six Hundred Additional Police Positions

The central government has approved the creation of more than 600 positions in the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) to strengthen the anti-infiltration grid and prevent terror incidents similar to those in Poonch-Rajouri.

"Sanction is hereby accorded to the creation of 607 posts for strengthening of the anti-infiltration grid (tier-II) for 42 new border police posts in Jammu and Kashmir," a government secretary said.

The newly sanctioned posts will see hiring of 39 sub-inspectors, 50 assistant sub-inspectors, 88 head constables and 430 constables for the 42 new BPP.

This is important, especially in the light of a string of terror incidents in the areas around Poonch-Rajouri, that saw deaths of 10 army soldiers including four from Special Forces in two separate terror incidents.

According to reports, it is believed that two Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorist groups are operating in the Kandi forests of Rajouri, since 2021. The fact that the two terrorist groups have been operating in the area since 2021, without being flushed out is a cause for concern.

The additional posts are expected to improve the counter-infiltration grid and aid in the capture of terrorists who have escaped the first tier of the grid manned by the army and the Border Security Force (BSF).

Notably, India is set to host a G-20 tourism summit in Srinagar from 22 to 24 May, and the recent suspicious movements of terrorists in the Poonch-Rajouri area have resulted in the closure of various army public schools and search operations in areas near Purani Poonch and Deputy Commissioner's office in Poonch.

With the increased movement of terrorists in the Jammu region, these new police officers are also expected to prevent further incidents.