CISF will be deployed in five more jails in Jammu and Kashmir

The CISF was earlier in October 2023 tasked with providing armed security to the Central Jails in Srinagar and Jammu (Kot Bhalwal). File | Photo credit: The Hindu

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is all set to deploy the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in five more jails in Jammu and Kashmir, including the yet-to-be-commissioned high-security jail in Kathua.

Plans to extend CISF security cover to Mahanpur (Kathua) High Security Jail – which houses inmates involved in serious crimes, including terrorism – and Jammu, Anantnag, Kupwara and Baramulla district jails are “under consideration”, a spokesman said on Sunday (21 Jun 2026). The CISF was earlier tasked with providing armed security to the Central Jails in Srinagar and Jammu (Kot Bhalwal) in October 2023.

The CISF is responsible for securing both the internal and external perimeters of these sensitive facilities using a combination of trained manpower, modern surveillance systems and strict access control measures, a CISF spokesperson said.

Technical upgrades

To check crimes in the two central jails, including narcotics smuggling, the CISF has deployed non-linear node detectors capable of detecting hidden electronic circuits, dual-view X-ray baggage screening systems and hand-held metal detectors at all access points. It has also introduced mobile bulletproof vehicles and round-the-clock patrols by rapid response teams to secure the perimeter of these prisons, the spokeswoman said.

To enhance security in the two prisons, the CISF is implementing the integration of CCTV systems with artificial intelligence and advanced video analytics for real-time monitoring and anomaly detection, unified command and control systems and specialized training in behavioral analysis, inmate profiling and anti-sabotage measures.

Standardized security architecture

“Encouraged by the effectiveness of the current deployment, plans are under consideration to expand CISF security coverage to other correctional facilities in Jammu and Kashmir, including Mahanpur High Security Jail (Kathua), Jammu District Jail, Anantnag District Jail, Kupwara District Jail and Baramulla District Jail. The expansion is aimed at creating a standardized and professional CISF security network across the territory. The deployment assumes significance in view of the complex security challenges associated with maximum security prisons.

To review the security arrangements, CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan visited Srinagar Central Jail on June 8, where he held detailed discussions with jail authorities, reviewed operational preparedness and assessed the effectiveness of the existing security architecture.

Published – 21 Jun 2026 23:22 IST