New Delhi: The Central Reserve Police Force has for the first time deployed five companies of women personnel in Jammu and Kashmir for anti-militancy operations.

"The 500 women constables are trained in counter-insurgency operations and were deployed recently for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir. They are armed with assault weapons like AK-series and the INSAS and can retaliate in case of terrorist attacks," a senior official told The Telegraph.

The five companies, which operate from a base at Bemina in Srinagar, are also trained to handle pellet and chilli guns and tear-gas shells. "They are also being deployed to tackle women stone-pelters and protesters," the official said.

Sources in the Union home ministry said separatist groups had often made a big issue even when security forces inadvertently injured women protesters during anti-riot operations.

"Even human rights groups condemned operations by security forces against the ultras who are supported by women. This is why the CRPF was asked to give training to the special women contingent. The militants often use women to disrupt cordon-and-search operations," said a source.