100 companies of additional forces deployed by Home Ministry in Jammu and Kashmir

Days after Pulwama attack, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has ordered deployment of 100 companies of paramilitary forces in the Kashmir Valley on an urgent basis. In a letter dated February 22, the government ordered deployment of forces with 'immediate effect' in addition to the number of forces already stationed in the state. The letter was addressed to the Jammu and Kashmir home secretary, the state Chief Secretary and the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police. 

According to reports, paramilitary forces are being airlifted to Srinagar. Sources say, the extra number of paramilitary forces companies of BSF, CRPF and ITBP were sent for panchayat polls in the state and were to be called back after the commencement of the election, but now it has been decided not to call them off. 

A company of paramilitary force comprises approximately 95-120 personnel, depending upon the type of force, size of company and location of deployment.

The step has been taken considering the tense situation across the state after last week's terror attack in Pulwama, in which over 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Pakistan-based banned Jaish-e-Mohammed released photographs and a video after the terror attack claiming full responsibility for it.

The development comes ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on Article 35A, which gives special powers to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday.

Earlier, separatist leader Yasin Malik was detained by the Jammu and Kashmir Police from his residence in Srinagar. He was shifted to the Kothibagh police station. The detention came a few days after the state administration said the security of 18 separatist leaders, including Malik, would be withdrawn. The JKLF leader on Thursday termed the announcement a "lie".