'Thousands of people were stoning us, but we never fired back.'
The Central Reserve Police Force has been part of the law and order apparatus in Jammu and Kashmir for a long time.
A couple of weeks ago, in a decision that went almost unnoticed, the CRPF decided to shut down one of its oldest bases in the Kawdara area in downtown Srinagar. This CRPF camp had been in existence for 25 years, since 1990.
CRPF officer Ashish Jha, who is based in Srinagar, spoke to A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com about why the decision was taken.
What was the reason for setting up this camp in 1990?
There was a lot of militancy in this area at that time. Internal security at that time was being managed by the BSF (Border Security Force). They were in charge of counter-insurgency against militants at that time. The CRPF was called in to assist them. That was the reason for setting up this camp.
How many people operated from this camp at full capacity?
Last year one company was stationed here. That means 135 people, which includes officers and jawans. At any given time, 80 people are always here.
Has this camp ever been attacked by the terrorists?
This camp has been pelted with stones many times in the last five years.
When did you decide to close down the camp?
The situation is reviewed regularly. It is a good symbol to close it down. The decision to close it down was taken this year.
Why did the CRPF close it down?
It is a demand of the local people. When the CRPF camp is being stoned, local businessmen get disturbed. This is a commercial area so people did not want a camp here. The local administration here said that this camp is not necessary.
The decision was made after mutual consultations between the CRPF and the local people. The CRPF is here to help the local police. Deployment is decided by the local police. They decided that the CRPF is not required here now.
What makes you sure that the decision to shut the CRPF camp is right?
No comment.
What was special about this camp?
The officers and jawans working here were very brave. This is because of their capabilities, training and patience.
Thousands of people were stoning us, but we never fired back.
We did riot control in the most peaceful way. Our work was outstanding. No other force could have done this. This is because of our training.
What did your jawans do when they were not on duty in this camp?
This is a sensitive area. When they are in the camp they are on duty all 24 hours of the day. There is no off duty here.
Is it true that incidents of stone throwing are more frequent in Rajouri Kadal near this camp?
That is true.
Apart from policing, do your jawans interact with civilians in other activities?
As part of the CRPF civic action programme, we have built volleyball courts in several schools. We have presented schools with computers. Last year during the floods we did a lot of work.
This camp has three buildings. Who will take charge of them?
We will hand it over to the state police.
