In order to save his troops from possible improvised explosive device (IED) attack, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will procure a fleet of mine protected vehicles (MPVs) and small 30-seater buses to ensure safety of its troops.
The decision has been taken in the aftermath of the February 14?Pulwama terror attack??in which more than 40 of the CRPF soldiers lost their lives and apart from procuring the fleet, the paramilitary force is increased its Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS) for its 65 battalions currently stationed in Jammu and Kashmir for anti-terror and law and order duties.?
reuters/representational image
"We are enhancing our counter-IED capabilities in Kashmir. We are procuring and sending more MPVs and are bullet-proofing force buses. As it is difficult to armour large buses, we are looking at procuring small 30-seater buses that can be better armour plated," CRPF Director General (DG) R R Bhatnagar told PTI.
The forces use the MPVs for limited troops movements in the anti-Naxal operations theatres and some of them are in J&K as well. Six personnel can travel in these four-wheeled vehicles.?
reuters/representational image
The DG said small buses can be equipped with bullet-resistant armour more efficiently in comparison to standard buses that have the capacity of 54-57. The standard buses were used when Pulwama attack took place.
The officials also said that if standard buses get bullet-proof sheets, its engine takes the toll of additional weight and the speed and the endurance of the vehicles get affected.
reuters/representational image
The chief also said each battalion posted in the Valley will get BDDS and the units which already have them will get the increase in the number of people and equipment to detect the IEDs and other forms of explosives.
reuters/representational image
The government had faced massive criticism post-Pulwama attack for not providing the CRPF with modern means necessary to safeguards themselves from the terror attacks.
(With PTI inputs)