Locals indeed help fleeing militants: CRPF

NEW DELHI: A day after army chief General Bipin Rawat warned of "tough action" against those attacking the security forces during anti-militancy operations in Kashmir, the Central Reserve Police Force ( CRPF) said locals in some areas indeed helped militants on the run.

CRPF officials, however, acknowledged that some people did cooperate with the security forces. Home ministry officials said support by locals creates difficulties for the security forces during anti-militancy operations.

Zulfikar Hasan, IG (Operations) of the largest paramilitary force which also handles law and order situation in Kashmir along with the J&K police, said the forces have been acting with maximum restraint in crowded areas to check any collateral damage and the residents should not succumb to threats of the militants.

"Our policy is that of maintaining restraint where there is a crowd and we will continue this. It only becomes a problem in certain areas when some people, who support the Over Ground Workers (OGWs), try to assist them under pressure during a security operation," Hasan told TOI.