The Central Reserve Police Force will replace the Border Security Force in the hinterland of the Kashmir Valley for counter-insurgency operations by March.

Ten new units of CRPF would be deployed in the Valley by March replacing BSF units, CRPF sources said in Srinagar on Tuesday.

With the induction of the 10 units, the total number of CRPF units in Jammu and Kashmir would go up to 72.

While 14 units are deployed in Jammu region, the remaining are posted in the Kashmir Valley.

The new units to be inducted will mostly comprise personnel recruited over the past couple of years, the sources said.

While two units have completed their training, other units are expected to complete their initiation into the force by end of next month, they added.

CRPF has already replaced BSF in Srinagar, but three units of BSF -- two at Raj Bhavan and one at Srinagar airport -- will stay put, they said.

BSF, which conducted anti-militancy operations in Kashmir Valley for nearly 13 years from 1991, was replaced in Srinagar by CRPF in 2004.

The BSF troops have since been moved to their primary duty of guarding the Line of Control and International Border.

Besides handling the counter-insurgency operations, CRPF has been guarding vital installations in the Kashmir Valley and providing personal security to VVIPS in the state and static guard at their residences as well.