Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), GP Singh, commenced a significant tour of Kashmir on Monday, focusing on the operational prowess of the CRPF Valley Quick Action Team (Valley QAT). The visit, marked by a detailed inspection at the headquarters of the 115 Battalion, underscores the force’s commitment to maintaining security and operational dominance in the region.
During his tour, DG Singh witnessed firsthand the advanced tactical capabilities and cutting-edge weaponry of the Valley QAT, a specialized unit renowned for its counter-terrorism operations in urban areas of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The team, established to counter and eliminate militants, has conducted 42 missions, resulting in the neutralization of 77 terrorists, including key militant commanders, since its inception. The unit’s achievements have earned it numerous gallantry awards, solidifying its reputation as a swift, sharp, and supreme force in the region.
The Valley QAT, as highlighted in recent reports, comprises 108 men and 18 women as of April 2023, with troopers undergoing rigorous training in high-risk house interventions, close-quarters combat, improvised explosive device detection, and advanced weapons handling. Volunteers, under 35 years of age, are shortlisted for their physical fitness and regional familiarity before being inducted into the unit, which operates in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
DG Singh’s visit reinforces the CRPF’s steadfast commitment to national security, particularly in the challenging terrain of the Kashmir Valley. The tour follows a tradition of high-level assessments, with previous visits by CRPF leadership aimed at evaluating the prevailing security situation amid ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
The CRPF, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, continues to play a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability across India, with its J&K Zone overseeing operations in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and neighbouring states. The hashtag Nation First, accompanying the CRPF’s post, reflects the force’s dedication to safeguarding the nation.
