Soon,Meerut to house RAF training unit

Officials said they plan to induct more sophisticated non-lethal armory in the force such as Long Range Acoustic Device,pepper ball launchers,etc. More number of vehicles for carrying troops faster,mobile toilet vans and pantry vans are also being considered.

“We already have non-lethal and sub-lethal weapons for lesser casualty. We are looking at a spectrum of responses and we already have acquired loads of equipment. In addition,we are trying to find out how other police forces function and improve our techniques,” CRPF Director General K Vijay Kumar said during the function.

On the sidelines of the event,Kumar added that CRPF is in touch with the Indian Army to train its cadres and the new battalions will be posted to Chhattisgarh to counter the naxal rebels.

Responding to a question on the economic blockade in Manipur,Kumar said they were “waiting for directions” and more CRPF troops would be dispatched “if the State Government asks for it”.

CRPF had recently devised a plan to train young girls from naxal-affected areas as security guards and post them near their hometowns. Kumar explained that the force is training tribal girls who wanted to join police but were facing resistance.

A large number of RAF officials attended the anniversary celebrations along with their family members. A grand parade was organised on the grounds of 104 RAF headquarters and 55 officers,some of them retired,were awarded police medals for meritorious service.