Procurement of advance technological apparatus can help in combating various internal and external threats better and there is a need for speedy modernisation of Indian security forces and making them aware of the usage” said General NC Vij (Retd).
General Vij, who served as Chief of Army Staff for three years from 2002-2005, was speaking in a symposium on Homeland Security-2017 at FICCI Auditorium here. He said there is no requirement of the deployment of Army in Naxal affected areas. “Not desirable to depute Army to fight with their own people,” said Vij. “The Armed Force Special Power Act in lesser conflict zones — Asam, Mizoram and Tripura — should be removed,” said Vij who had also served as the Director-General of Military Operations from 1999-2000.
Giving a political view on security issues and procurements, Sambit Patra, national spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that the economy and security will have to work together for the robust functioning of security forces. Patra said that, “security issues should not be politicised and no communal debates should be run during counter- insurgencies.”
Speaking on the modernisation of Indian Security Forces, GK Pillai, former Home Secretary said that police forces should be up-to- date on technological advancements.
Citing the example of Kashmir, Pillai said that Pellet Guns should be used below the chest. “Pellet Guns were a substitute for real bullets and were meant not to harm the masses,” Pillai added.
Emphasising on the need to boost the Indian manufactured equipment, VK Saraswat, Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister said, “During insurgencies, the entire process of getting the right thing for the right soldier at the right time matters. Here, there is requirement to propagate Indian manufactured tools too.”
Delhi lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal also said the need for a credible cyber defence system can barely be overstated. “Regular update of skills (of police) is necessary,” said and highlighted the initiatives taken recently by the Delhi Police in response to various such challenges.
For harnessing the potential of our youth, Delhi Police has recently taken up programs for skill upgradation in collaboration with various corporates using their Corporate Social Responsibility funds. “This will help in weaning away potential criminals from crime and make them employable and self-reliant in life.
“In response to the potent threat of cybercrime and cyber-attacks, more so in the environment of increasing digitalisation of services and commercial transactions, Delhi Police is going to hire a Chief Technology Officer within the Police Headquarters to keep pace with global technology developments and help the Delhi Police equip itself to meet the growing challenges. Delhi Police is already working with young technology students from various Government institutions within the city on this,” Baijal said.