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ITBP to relieve BSF in parts of Kashmir

The 140-km-long national highway from Pattan in north Kashmir to Banihal in south Kashmir will be handed over to Indo-Tibetan Border Police for protection.

ITBP Director General Gautam Koul said in addition to this, his forces would also replace the Border Security Force in parts of south and central Kashmir from April 1.

Four more battalions were being shifted to Jammu and Kashmir from Punjab. They would take charge in parts of Anantnag district and Srinagar.

The ITBP has been active in counter-insurgency operations in Verinag, Kokernag and Deksum in south Kashmir for the past few years. Koul said his force was also responsible for protecting the Banihal tunnel and the Pir Panjal ranges.

Mainly Lashker-e-toiba militants were active in the woods of south Kashmir, the DG said.

''There have been several incidents of exchange of fire between militants and our forces in south Kashmir and I must admit both the parties have suffered casualties,'' he said.

UNI

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