Taking a cue from the operational strategies of the security forces in place in the Naxal areas where Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) are used for operations, the CRPF’s Jammu Sector has sought camera drones/flying cameras for deployment at vulnerable points where CCTV cameras cannot be deployed.
These drones, when deployed, will facilitate videography of the areas under their range and help monitor anti-national elements in agitations and law and order situations. The sector has sought authorisation of such equipments at the unit level in riot drill equipment.
At present, 10 UAVs (NETRA) besides those of the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) are deployed and regularly utilised in the Naxal theatre and these equipments help the paramilitary personnel in gathering real-time intelligence against the ultras. The Union Home Ministry had recently authorised the CRPF to procure 20 more micro-UAVs for the Naxal theatre under Modernisation Plan-II, the procurement process for which is underway.
“Since these UAVs are authorised for operation in the Naxal-affected areas, these machines cannot be utilised in other areas. However, the requirement of Jammu Sector may be fulfilled after procurement of more UAVs, a said senior official.
Officials said the key for success of any UAV mission is the seamless coordination between the troops on the ground and operator controlling the payloads. While the cameras help in tracking suspicious movements, communication intelligence payload of the UAVs help in intercepting radio frequency that may be used by the inimical forces.
The Jammu Sector of the CRPF has also sought organisation of adventurous activities like mountaineering, para-gliding, river rafting, motor biking, hiking, trekking among others to beat the stress of the personnel living in tough operational atmosphere and nature of their duties. Officials said adventurous sports will not only keep the jawans fit but also help in reducing stress, induce fearlessness and crisis management skills.
The Srinagar Sector, meanwhile, has sought review of all operations/Road Opening Patrol (ROP) dynamically by analysing each success/failure threadbare for learning lessons from it. This Sector will also undertake rotational training of its personnel at training hubs in order to enhance operational capability and be prepared to conduct an operation without any outside/sister agency’s help.
Meanwhile, the CRPF units in Jammu & Kashmir have been provided 491 Swivel Boom microphones for handfree operation. The Srinagar Sector has also sought research for acquisition of non-lethal equipment as some types of grenades are likely to be banned in the near future.
Such two-way headsets are light weight and ideal for noisy areas or locations with disturbing bystanders and facilitate confidential communication while allowing freedom to the users to communicate while performing other tasks.
These aside, the Jammu and Srinagar Sectors have further demanded light weight bullet-proof jackets and patkas, automatic assault rifles like the AK-47s and a technical wing to keep a tab on current trends in technology, innovations worldwide and acquisition of latest equipment to be combat ready to face the changing dynamics of terror and insurgency.