File photo of Syed Ali Shah Geelani

SRINAGAR: Withdrawal of additional forces from Kashmir has come to a halt in the wake of rumours that 90-year-old separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani ’s health is fast deteriorating, a J&K administration official said on Saturday.

At least 400 additional companies of CRPF , BSF, ITBP and SSB were brought into Kashmir the day before August 5 last year. In December, on the directions of the ministry of home affairs, 72 companies of additional forces were withdrawn from Kashmir.

Now, J&K authorities apprehend law-and-order problem in the Valley in case Geelani passes away, which may trigger violence, the official said.

A CRPF official, requesting anonymity, said there were thorough deliberations of the security grid, both in New Delhi and Kashmir, in the wake of strong rumours about Geelani’s deteriorating health.

“Earlier in February, rumours about Geelani’s fast-deteriorating health had raised serious concerns on law-and-order front. Keeping this is in view, the MHA took a decision that further withdrawal of forces should be halted immediately,” the officer said.

Another reason why additional forces are not being withdrawn could be the impending by-elections to nearly 12,000 vacant panchayat seats and the upcoming tourist season, he said.

