New Delhi, Oct 23: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), one of the armed police forces under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has taken over the security of Kot Bhalwal jail in Jammu, a high-security central jail in the Union Territory that houses over 900 prisoners, including some foreign nationals.
The security of this high-security central jail was transferred from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to the CISF on October 20. Around 260 CISF personnel, led by a Deputy Commandant, have been deployed to provide both inner and outer security coverage at the facility. The jail’s security was previously managed by the CRPF, another central armed police force under the MHA.
On October 13, the MHA issued an order for the CISF to take over security responsibilities at Kot Bhalwal jail from the CRPF. This marks the second prison in Jammu and Kashmir to be secured by the CISF, a paramilitary force with a current strength of nearly 1.75 lakh personnel.
On October 3, the CISF also assumed security duties at Srinagar jail from the CRPF, following an MHA order issued to the force on September 22.
The CISF personnel have been tasked with providing round-the-clock security both inside and outside the Kot Bhalwal jail, which is one of the two high-security central jails in Jammu and Kashmir.
Both Srinagar and Kot Bhalwal jails in Jammu and Kashmir are considered highly sensitive, housing several dreaded terrorists and notorious criminals. Kot Bhalwal jail accommodates over 900 prisoners, while Srinagar jail houses 500 inmates.
Kot Bhalwal jail currently holds 579 undertrials, 353 detenues, and 67 convicts, including 17 foreign nationals.
Jammu and Kashmir has a total of thirteen jails of various types for prisoner accommodation, including two central jails (Kot Bhalwal and Srinagar), eight district jails, and three sub-jails. The combined capacity of these facilities is 2,775 prisoners.
With the CISF taking over security at Kot Bhalwal Central jail, this sensitive establishment joins the list of India’s most critical infrastructure facilities secured by the CISF. This list includes nuclear installations, space establishments, seaports, and power plants.
The CISF’s security umbrella extends to 67 airports, Delhi Metro, important government buildings, and iconic heritage monuments. The force also manages a specialized VIP Security vertical, providing round-the-clock security to important protectees. Following the Mumbai terror attack in November 2008, the CISF’s mandate was expanded to include security coverage for private corporate establishments as well.
Established in 1969 with just three battalions, the CISF has grown into a premier multi-skilled organization with a current strength of 1,71,635 personnel. The CISF provides security cover to 358 establishments across the country and operates its Fire Wing, serving 104 of the aforementioned establishments.
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