RPF officer in Kashmir told to ‘desist’ from creating panic

New Delhi: A day after a Railway Protection Force (RPF) officer in Kashmir asked employees to store “ration, drinking water and not negotiate with mob” due to “deteriorating law and order”, SSP Railways (Kashmir) clarified that there was “no such intelligence alert issued” and warned that officers should desist from such acts in the future.

RPF officer Sudesh Nugyal on Saturday said in a letter: “At least four-month dry ration should be purchased...to meet any crisis situation. Store drinking water for at least seven days... Nobody should keep their family or relative in Kashmir, vehicle should be fully filled and hidden in a safe place... as they may be attacked with the intention of damage.”

However, On Sunday, SSP Railways (Kashmir) expressed shock over Nugyal’s communication and said: “This is astonishing that the undersigned has not shared any such information with any other agency in writing or through telephonic conversation… You are required to desist from such act in future.”


The latest deployment of central paramilitary forces in Kashmir has sparked off speculation that Centre may be considering removal of Article 35(A). Officials, however, said forces have been mobilised to strengthen Amarnath Yatra. “Forces deployed during urban local polls are being relieved and they are being replaced with fresh deployments,” said a J&K government official.