New Delhi: 

Shortage of accommodation in Jammu and Kashmir has left no choice for the Central Reserve Police Force other than occupying the abandoned homes of Kashmiri Pandits, hospitals, schools, hotels and even temples.

The Central Reserve Police Force, or CRPF, has been stationed on some 737 premises in Jammu and Kashmir.

“We will vacate the houses of Kashmiri Pandits, which are currently occupied by the CRPF, if any family or families ask us to. The government will definitely provide us some other location for jawans,” CRPF Director General Kuldiep Singh said.

The CRPF’s data show it occupies one school, one hospital, two cinema halls, eight orchards, 26 industrial units and factories, 30 hotels, 71 agricultural lands, 265 other private buildings – which includes the homes of Kashmiri Pandits – and 333 other government buildings.

The CRPF said these places have been provided by the local administration and it pays rent for them.

Last year, forces in Kashmir valley were reorganised in some sectors due to increasing violence, which resulted in a greater concentration of battalions around Srinagar area.