Govt to consider helicopter services for CRPF in J-K

Srinagar: The Centre will consider operating helicopter services for CRPF personnel serving in Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate movement of troops. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a four-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, said he was also working towards enhancing the monetary benefits to Rs one crore for families of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel killed in the line of duty.

"We are ready to give more facilities to our CAPF personnel. Government will consider helicopter services for CRPF in Jammu and Kashmir," he said addressing a sainik sammelan of CRPF personnel at Anantnag, 52 kilometres from here. "It is my aim to provide at least Rs one crore to the families of our martyrs from CAPFs," he told the CRPF personnel. As per present compensation norms, the family of a slain soldier of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, NSG and Assam Rifles gets about Rs 60-70 lakh.

Singh said the government has launched 'Bharat Ke Veer' programme to support the families of the martyrs.

"The nation is supporting the courage of our security forces. We are proud of our CRPF personnel.Courage cannot be purchased from any market and you are born with unassailable and unmatched courage," he added. The Home Minister later presented a memento the CRPF team which took part in operations in Pulwama recently.