New Delhi: After replacing five battalions of Border Security Force (BSF) in Srinagar two weeks back, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is all set to induct three more battalions comprising 2,500 personnel and train another eight next month as part of phase-out of the border guards from the counter-terrorism operations in the State.

CRPF will also augment its strength of 17 battalions this month.

"The changeover of five battalions in Srinagar city has been completed," CRPF director general S C Chaube said.

He said three more battalions will replace as many battalions of BSF in Srinagar next month and noted that the personnel had been given necessary training for the purpose.

Pointing out that it was the first phase of replacement of BSF in counter-terrorism operations as per the recommendations of Group of Ministers (GoM), Chaube said eight more battalions of his force would start receiving training from next month to ready them for induction in the State.

"However, no dates have been finalised for the second phase of the changeover," the CRPF chief said, adding the entire process was expected to be completed by 2005.

He said the personnel for the purpose of induction in Jammu and Kashmir were being withdrawn from various places in the country, besides which more battalions were being raised.

PTI