New Delhi: The Army is conducting a joint training program at the White Knight Corps Battle School in Bhalra, Doda with personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) — a first-of-its kind exercise.
This development follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement that the Centre plans to let the JKP take the lead role in the Union Territory, while gradually withdrawing central forces, including the Army.
The joint training, which commenced on 18 March, aims to further coordination and the combined operational capabilities of both forces, sources in the defence and security establishment said, reported The Print.
The current batch of trainees includes 62 deputy superintendents of police and more than 1,000 sub-inspectors, with a significant representation of women in both ranks.
The training is focused on operational tactics, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism strategies, drawing on the Army’s extensive experience in these fields, sources said.
While both forces have been combating terrorism side by side for over three decades, this is the first such initiative.
“The synergy achieved during training will pave the way for the restoration of peace and normalcy. This will also see the Jammu and Kashmir Police emerge as a more potent and well-trained force,” a source said.
This integrated training program is expected to solidify the partnership between the two forces, leading to more effective counter-terrorism operations.
In an interview with Jammu and Kashmir-based Gulistan News this week, Shah had said the government would leave law and order to the local police.
“We have plans to pull back troops and leave law and order to the Jammu and Kashmir Police alone. We are strengthening the police, who are at the forefront during the encounter… We will definitely consider this proposal (revoke the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. The situation is being normalised,” he was quoted as saying.
Shah also said that troops would gradually move from the Union Territory to the barracks.
AFSPA’s removal would mean the Army wouldn’t operate in the area since it needs this enabling act to work without fear of legal trouble during search operations and encounters.
In 2022, ThePrint reported that with the situation improving, the Army wanted to do a rejig of its deployment in Jammu and Kashmir and deploy fewer soldiers in anti-terrorism operations.
