Centre withdraws 10 CAPF companies from Jammu, sends nine to Maharashtra

Three days after Maharashtra government had sought 20 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to relieve the state police, the Union Home Ministry on Saturday (May 16) ordered the withdrawal of 10 CAPF companies from Jammu and Kashmir and sent nine units to Maharashtra.

According to officials, the 10 units, comprising over 1,000 personnel, are being withdrawn from the Jammu region of the Union Territory.

Out of the 10 units, five have been sent to Maharashtra, which has also got four other units from Mumbai-based unit of the Rapid Action Force and the Central Reserve Police Force’s specialised counter-riots force, the officials said. Three units from the Central Industrial Security Force have also been sent to the state.

With several police personnel testing positive for #COVIDー19, long & challenging work hours are leaving Maharashtra police stretched. Ramzan Eid is also on May 25th. To help maintain law & order the state has requested 20 companies of CAPF to be deployed.#MaharashtraGovtCares pic.twitter.com/iJipnxeaQK

— ANIL DESHMUKH (@AnilDeshmukhNCP) May 13, 2020

On May 13, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said the state police had been working day and night, and Ramzan festival was also nearing. So, he sought 20 companies of CAPF to help the police maintain law & order the state. His request came as many police personnel in the state had tested positive for COVID-19.