The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has taken over the security of Srinagar central jail and the Kot Balwal jail in Jammu, officials said. More than 1,500 people, including many linked with terror activities, are housed at these jails.
For the past five years, the focus of the government has been to make these jails more secure and various security agencies have been conducting surprise raids there.
“CISF takes immense pride in securing Srinagar Jail, ensuring a robust and vigilant security presence at all times. Our dedicated personnel operate with the highest standards of professionalism to safeguard this critical institution,” the CISF said in a post on X.
While CISF will be responsible for outer security of these two jails, prison police and Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF) will take care of internal security. Earlier, many foreign terrorists were lodged in these high profile jails but they have been shifted outside J&K due to security reasons.
SECURITY TODAY’S VIEW
The CISF’s takeover of security at Srinagar and Kot Balwal jails not only strengthens perimeter protection at two of Jammu and Kashmir’s most sensitive prisons but also reflects a growing trend: the government’s increasing reliance on the CISF as a trusted, professionally managed force. Known for its disciplined and relatively apolitical profile, the CISF is being positioned as a preferred choice over some state and other paramilitary forces, particularly in high-stakes or sensitive deployments. This shift underscores the Centre’s intent to standardize and tighten critical infrastructure security through a force it views as both efficient and above reproach.
