The CRPF plans to phase out INSAS rifles from Naxal areas due to operational problems just as the paramilitary is preparing for the forthcoming Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir and Jharkhand, keeping in mind the worst case scenario.
“We have requested the MHA to replace the INSAS rifles from the lWE theatre due to interruptions during operations with sophisticated personal weapons like AK-47 or X 95. The life of the troops in lWE areas is dependent on professional efficiency and disaster can happen in a matter of a split second,” CRPF Director General Dilip Trivedi said on Wednesday.
While INSAS has recorded interruptions to the tune of 3 per cent plus during a firing cycle, the same in the case of AK-47 and X 95 rifles is as low as 0.2 per cent, according to an analysis of the firing pattern of these weapons. Presently, only the elite CoBRA Battalions are equipped with AK-47 and X 95 rifles.
The paramilitary has also trained its personnel for using 81 mm mortars at a firing range of the BSF in Hazaribagh in Jharkhand.Following a directive from the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, the Police Modernisation Division of the Ministry has already undertaken a review of the allotment of arms for a company of the paramilitary forces deployed in the Naxal areas and will come up with necessary changes as per operational requirements projected by the forces.
Singh issued the directions to his Ministry officials during a visit to 197 Battalion of the CRPF at Thalkobad in the Saranda area of West Singhbhum district in Jharkhand on September 23. During an interaction with the minister, the CRPF jawans of the 197 Battalion requested that the INSAS rifles be replaced with AK-47 or SlRs . The jawans had complained that INSAS require a lot of maintenance and are not sturdy in comparison to SlR (7.62 mm) or the AK-47.
“As far as our task is concerned, we are taking no chances. We are briefing and equipping our troops to be prepared for the worst case scenario. My personal view is that we do not anticipate any big thing (disruptive activity like attacks) during the polls (in Jammu & Kashmir) but it is going to be tough due to the bigger political dimensions involved,” Trivedi told reporters here on the eve of the forces’ 75th Raising Day.
Trivedi anticipated “very high-level attempts” to disturb the polls in Jammu & Kashmir but added the paramilitary was fully equipped to handle the situation.The CRPF is the nodal agency for deployment of all Central forces in Jammu & Kashmir and Jharkhand during the polls.