As IG, Srinagar sector, what are your roles and given these roles what are your challenges?

CRPF is the largest Paramilitary in the world, exclusively devoted to handling internal security in the country. Since internal security is the primary responsibility of the state police, CRPF’s role is to assist the state police in the execution of this role. I have about 30,000 troops under me and my job is to ensure that we assist the state police in maintaining law and order as well as in containing militancy. As IG, my role is to administer as well as command and control. I interact with my men and officers and try to ensure that their living conditions are up to the mark, which is not the case in most places because CRPF men live in really bad conditions without organised accommodation in most states. As a senior officer, I have to make sure that their satisfaction levels remain high and their grievances are addressed.

In your administrative role, how many battalions are under your command?

I have 27 battalions and three companies in Srinagar city under my command. There are 28 more battalions in the Kashmir Valley. My responsibility is operational command of those deployed in the city and administrative command of these plus other battalions in the Valley.

Given that administration supports the operations, it becomes one of the most crucial aspects of work. In this respect, what all do you have and what more do you desire for optimal results?

Our situation in Srinagar city is similar that of urban guerrilla warfare, whether it is sneak, fidayeen or grenade attacks. For this, what we require are the basic armoury for men, where they can feel fit and equipments like bullet-proof vehicles, which are crucial in such areas, so that even if a firing takes place, my men can go close to the place of attack and lay a cordon. This is one aspect which needs upgradation. I am in touch with the DG on this issue, because all the men in the city should feel safe before they take on any terrorist situation. We have certain vehicles but we need them for 100 per cent personnel.