The government decided to deploy more troops in south Kashmir as violent protests continued unabated in the areas of Kulgam, Pulwama, Anantnag and Shopian.
Earlier these areas were vacated by the military as they were considered militant free areas. But the continuous violent protests have forced the government to redeploy soldiers in these areas. According to The Tribune, “the Army has been told to tie-up its last minute deployment patterns. The Army will not be tasked with mob control, but with tracking down armed terrorists who have been fanning trouble”.
The deployment of troops will be completed in the next 48 hours with an emphasis on rural areas. The decision was made on the day when Chief-of -Army Staff General Dalbir Singh visited Kashmir valley to review the security situation in the four worst affected districts in south Kashmir. During the visit Army chief also reviewed defence formations in northern and southern parts of the valley.