In the wake of the recent arrest of four suspected IS terrorists from Roorkee of Haridwar district, Uttarakhand police, leaving nothing to chance as far as the security of the ongoing Ardh Kumbh Mela is concerned, decided to equip the specialized police forces with sophisticated, state-of-the-art firearms, designed to combat terrorism.
State DGP BS Sidhu said on Tuesday that the department would soon procure 30 X95 Assault Rifles more from Israel which manufactures them. They would be given to the specialised unit of the police forces, now deputed in the Ardh Kumbh Mela area.
The police forces, including the intelligence, have been directed to be on their toes, he said, adding that security has been further beefed up. “We have put into place fool-proof security,” he assured. He said that they had recently purchased 12 Israel -made X95 Assault Rifles under its modernisation programme.
The estimated cost of this rifle was around Rs 1.20 lakh for each, the State’s top cop said, adding that the particular rifle has night vision facility aside from others. “Cops equipped with X95 Rifles have been included in the security of the Uttarakhand CM. These Rifles will also be used in the security of VVIPs during their Uttarakhand visit,” Sidhu added.
The couple of X95 Assault Rifles will be given to the units of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) which has been formed to assist Anti- Terrorist Squad Guldar that comprises 92 commandos, Sidhu said. The policemen would be given training before these rifles are handed over to them, he added.
It should be mentioned here that X95 Rifle is a firearm of the next generation equipped with night vision and other state of the art facilities. The weapon has a rate of fire of 700 to 1000 rounds per minute and a magazine of 30 rounds, it is stated.
The X95 has been developed in close cooperation with elite unit. Besides, it has been tailored to the specific requirements and need, experts say. They further say that X95 Rifles have been made to deal with modern threats as posed by terrorism.
Some of characteristics are bull pup configuration, optimized ergonomic design, 30 Rds, Magazine capacity and integral silencer (optional). In addition, X95 is used across the world as it is compatible with western and eastern ammunition, the experts say.
Now, with the threat of terror strike hovering over the Ardh Kumbh Mela where millions throng, police acquiring the rifles would definitely add to the confidence of the cops deployed to ensure peace during the congregation, say the observers.
