New Delhi, July 16, 2025: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted in-principle approval to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to raise 20 new battalions, adding over 20,000 personnel for deployment in Jammu and Kashmir, according to multiple reports. This decision follows the April 22 Pahalgam militant attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures in the Union Territory.
Initially, the CRPF proposed raising 35 battalions, but the MHA has sanctioned 20 as an immediate measure to address emerging security challenges, including counter-militancy operations and law and order maintenance. The Finance Ministry has cleared the proposal, with final approval from the Union Cabinet expected soon. These new battalions will be equipped with specialised operational capabilities tailored to J&K’s rugged terrain and evolving security needs.
The move reflects a strategic shift in focus from Naxal-affected areas, where the insurgency is reportedly declining, to intensifying counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir. Additional CRPF companies are expected to be deployed across the Union Territory shortly, supporting the Jammu and Kashmir Police in anti-militancy operations and ensuring public safety. Senior officials have forecasted a significant security restructuring to strengthen the region’s law enforcement framework.
This development aligns with the MHA’s broader strategy to eliminate terrorism in J&K, with the CRPF playing a pivotal role in internal security, crowd control, and counter-insurgency operations. The new battalions will enhance the CRPF’s existing presence, which includes 201 General Duty Battalions, 6 Mahila Battalions, and specialised units like the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and CoBRA, already deployed in the region.
“The approval of 20 new battalions underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir,” a senior MHA official stated. The initiative is part of a larger effort to modernise and strengthen the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) amid evolving cross-border security threats.
