As Jammu and Kashmir continue to witness a spike in terror attacks, the Centre, in an unprecedented move, has removed the chief and deputy chief of the Border Security Force(BSF).
BSF Director General Nitin Agrawal and his deputy Special DG (West) YB Khurania have been repatriated to their respective state cadres with “immediate effect”, as per the central government’s order.
The Jammu and Kashmir region has been reeling under terrorist attacks for quite some time. As of July 21 this year, data indicates that 14 civilians and 14 security personnel have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, there have been 24 encounters or counter-terror operations and 11 incidents initiated by terrorists.
Who are Nitin Agrawal and YB Khurania?
Agrawal is a 1989-batch Kerala cadre officer, while Khurania belongs to the 1990 batch of the Odisha cadre.
Agrawal took charge as the Border Security Force chief in June last year.
Khurania, as the special DG (West), was heading the formation of the force along the Pakistan border. As per Indian Express, Khurania is being considered by the Odisha Government for the post of Director General of Police.
Why were they removed?
According to a report by NDTV, rampant terrorist infiltrations in Jammu and Kashmir factored in the government’s move. Also, sources told the news outlet that there have been complaints against Agrawal over alleged lack of coordination.
“Lack of command and control within the force and lack of coordination with other sister agencies led to his repatriation,” a senior official said on the condition of anonymity.
Separate orders issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) conveyed they were being “prematurely” repatriated with “immediate effect.”
Govt to roll out new security matrix for J&K
Meanwhile, in light of the increased terror activities in the region, the central government is planning to introduce a new security matrix for Jammu and Kashmir.
Among these measures is securing the borders by building fences along them to prevent terrorists from crossing the Line of Control (LOC) and the International Border in the Jammu sector.
Recent intelligence reports indicate that terrorists could target highways, which are considered critical “lifelines.” In response, the government has decided to deploy the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) alongside local police. Typically, all troop movements occur on these highways.
The Centre is also considering deploying the Assam Rifles in Jammu and involving them as active players in the security systems in the region.
More focus will be put on surprise counter-terrorist attacks to increase the efficacy of Army and other security operations.
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Why has the Centre removed BSF chief, deputy ‘with immediate effect’?
