Veterans of 1972 batch of Group A CRPF Cadre officers have written to Home Minister Amit Shah seeking action against IPS officer and Inspector General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Vijay Kumar for making casual comments about CRPF's role in the Valley.
During a recent review meeting held by Jammu and Kashmir Police Director General, Kumar had said that CRPF is not working well in the Union Territory.
At the meeting for review of the local police, armed forces and CAPFs collaborating in anti-terror operations in J&K on April 29, Kumar had allegedly said “CRPF is not working well.”
“Here (In J&K), JKP generates intelligence, Army/Rashtriya Rifles carry out the operations and CRPF’s name is inserted just like that...This I know, I have been in CRPF,” the letter quotes Kumar to have asserted during the meeting.
“This statement is not only contrary to the facts, but also belies the valorous sacrifices made by the Force, a consistent track record of exceptional performance, and laurels earned by the Force in the most difficult anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir. 76 gallantry medals given at the Republic Day of 2020 are a testament to the sweat, blood and martyrdom of brave men and women of CRPF,” the veterans said stated to buttress the paramilitary’s role in anti-terror operations in the Valley.
The retired officials of CRPF who have put in 35-40 years of service further said, “Singular lack of leadership and maturity demonstrated by IGP Vijay Kumar, and his factually incorrect and hurtful comments, have caused consternation in the Force personnel. Ignoring this incident to let it pass would be even more hurtful and memories of disrespect will never fade away.”
“..a visible action from you would go a long way in restoring the morale and confidence of the Force, repair the damage caused by immature and disrespectful comments by Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir. It will also be a powerful reminder to all to work together as a cohesive, collaborative, respectful and unified team to wipe out the virus of terrorism,” the group 35 veterans who are signatories to the letter asserted.