The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sanctioned Rs 1000 crore package for modernisation of J&K Police force including for procurement of new bullet proof-vehicles, sophisticated weaponry system and hi-tech bullet proof chest shields.
Officials said the package that will be enhanced with the passage of time will help the force in dealing with the challenge of militancy effectively. “J&K police will get a fleet of 50 modern armoured vehicles that will have Global Positioning System (GPS) installed in it and also a brand new first-aid kit along with all the facilities to deal the injuries in times of encounters or other conflict related situation,” reports said.
Reports said the decision to modernize over one lakh personnel strong J&K police was taken in a recent security review where National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present.
“It was decided to upgrade the J&K police force in both Union Territories (UTs)—Ladakh and J&K,” an MHA official said.
He said that J&K police would also get a sophisticated weaponry that include automatic rifles and hi-tech bullet proof shields. “In future, special helmets will also be provided to the policemen involved in anti-militancy operations,” he said. “This all will be done under the police modernization program of the MHA. After a year or so, J&K police will also have anti-mine vehicles fitted with IED detection system.”
The official said that MHA has also decided to take small batches of J&K police out of the UTs for special training that includes commando training, anti-militancy training, guarding special and VIP guests, guarding security installations, maintaining vigils, detecting and defusing Improvised Explosive Devices and other bombs.
In the long run, the officer said that such training courses will be conducted within J&K and Ladakh only. “However, that will be take some time,” the official said.
He said that in the meeting, role of J&K in dealing with multiple challenges including law and order, militancy and maintaining public rapport was hailed. The MHA, according to the officials also said that a series of steps will be also taken to ensure de-stressing of J&K cops.
The Centre, according to the sources, is also mulling to change the rank s of Director General of Police J&K to J&K Police Commissioner (JKPC), while as Inspector Generals of Police will be known as Assistant Police Commissioners (ACPs). According to sources, police stations in both UTs will also be modified and laced with latest technology to deal with the crimes and to conclude investigations within a set time frame. (With KNO inputs)