Govt preparing forces in Kashmir for ‘harsh winter’ ahead

New Delhi: Apprehending protracted unrest in Kashmir Valley, the Centre has started preparation for providing winter logistics to central paramilitary forces deployed in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Home Ministry has already approached the Army and supplying agencies to provide winter boots, socks, jackets, snow gloves and other warm clothing which would be required by around 70,000 paramilitary forces deployed in the state.

A top Home Ministry official is personally monitoring the procurement process and trying to ensure that all required items are delivered before the onset of the “harsh winter” ahead.

“We are really worried about the boys on the ground. We have to get all winter logistics well before the time as Kashmir is expected to have a harsh winter,” a senior official said.

Unrest in Kashmir continues ever since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani on July 8 leading to deployment of paramilitary forces across the Kashmir Valley.

“We have to be prepared in case the turmoil continues for a longer period, especially during winter,” the official said.

PTI