HEADLINES POLL ARCHIVES FEEDBACK SEARCH REDIFF NEWSLINKS US EDITION NEWS DEAR REDIFF THE STATES ARCHIVES
The Jammu and Kashmir police on Thursday criticised the Election Commission's decision to shackle the Special Task Force saying this had resulted in a sudden spurt in militant violence between the second and third phase of polls.
The STF is considered the backbone of anti-militancy operations as it comprises locals well-versed with the terrain and capable of gathering local intelligence.
"It is never advisable to restrain the local police," Director General of Police A K Suri told PTI in Srinagar.
The EC had on September 28 ordered that the STF be confined to the police lines.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh in the wake of allegations by some political parties that the STF and Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel were helping the ruling National Conference.
Before the commencement of polls, the EC had passed a similar order but withdrew it after senior state officials pointed out the importance of the STF in countering militants.
Formed in 1993 after the police failed to counter militants, the STF has been instrumental in killing several top militants besides neutralising outfits like the Al-Badr, Tiger Force and Hizbullah.
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
