Army Says Use Of Uniform By Civilians 'Illegal', Urges Public To Avoid 'Army-Pattern' Clothes

The Indian Army has urged civilians to avoid wearing clothes which have the 'Army-pattern' on them. In a set of guidelines issued to the public to prevent terror attacks, it also asked shopkeepers to refrain from selling combat clothes to the public.

The guidelines have been rolled out nearly a week after half a dozen terrorists managed to sneak their way through the border and attack the Air Force station in Pathankot. Seven lives of security personnel were lost in the attacks.

Wearing Army uniforms or using any other Army equipment is "illegal"

An official spokesperson said civilians should avoid wearing clothes with the Army pattern on it, as wearing Army uniforms or using any other Army equipment is "illegal". Additionally, the official asked private security agencies, police, and other central forces not to wear "combat-pattern" dresses as "it is not authorized and leads to false alarms". "All traders and shopkeepers interested in selling Army uniforms may approach the local military authority and request for shops in units/cantonments approved areas/shops," he said.

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Defaulters will be checked

Police and civil administration have been asked to check on the defaulters. "The youth is exhorted to use social media to spread awareness and start a campaign to prevent misuse of Army uniform and equipment as fashion statement," the spokesperson said.

"The Army and the police keep getting information of suspicious activities of persons having been seen carrying rucksacks and wearing combat pattern dress associated with Armed Forces. While during incidents such as in Pathankot, it has resulted in the elimination of terrorists, in most cases these have turned out to be misleading and caused inconvenience to the people at large," the Army official said.

The Army appealed and requested the public to adhere to the guidelines in national as well as their own interest. "We deeply regret the inconvenience caused but then these operations are inescapable to ensure your safety and security," the official said.

With inputs from PTI.