In a clear sign of an expanded role for the army in restive south Kashmir, hundreds more soldiers will be deployed in rural areas, NDTV reported on Friday.
Violent protests have continued unabated in these areas since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani two months ago, and the extra presence of the army is meant to “send a signal” to protesters through ”area domination” and ”enhanced patrolling,” report quoting sources said.
The aim is also to simultaneously step up patrols against insurgents.
At the same time, the army is absolutely clear that it is not equipped to deal with mobs and protests, since its soldiers carry automatic weapons and are trained to shoot to kill. Therefore, basic policing responsibilities will remain with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force or CRPF who use non-lethal weaponry to control violent crowds.
Report quoting sources said the overall goal is to reclaim state authority in rural areas of the state, which has been degraded.