Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP) R R Swain announced on Friday that the police force is procuring advanced weapons from Israel and Germany to counter militants equipped with modern arms.
Speaking to reporters at an event where nine Special Police Officers (SPOs) were regularized for their ‘bravery’ in the Kathua encounter, which resulted in the killing of two foreign militants, DGP Swain highlighted the need for the latest weaponry. “We will be having the latest weapon system to counter our enemy,” he said, responding to queries about terrorists in the Doda encounter possessing US-made M-4 carbines.
The new arms procurement from Israel and Germany is expected to boost the police force’s weaponry, enabling them to tackle terrorists more effectively. “Terrorists can give us a leg cut but can’t defeat us,” DGP Swain said.
From June 9 to 12, four militant-related incidents in the Reasi, Doda, and Kathua districts of hilly Jammu resulted in the deaths of ten people, including seven pilgrims returning from the Shiv Khori temple and a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan, with many others injured. DGP Swain recently stated that the police are prepared to confront foreign militants in Jammu and will not hesitate to fire the first shot. In recent encounters at Kathua and Doda, five foreign militants were killed, and three US-made M-4 carbines, along with other weapons, were recovered.
DGP Swain praised the courage and patriotism of the people of Kathua, recalling how locals supported the army during wars, including the 1965 conflict. “Patriotism is deeply filled in the hearts of Kathua people. We have decided to strengthen the Village Defence Guards (VDGs) of Kathua district,” he said.
Regarding the regularization of SPOs, DGP Swain stated that the police leadership has decided to expedite the process for those who demonstrate exceptional bravery in combating militants. “The brave acts of SPOs will be recognized, and within 24 hours, the SPOs will be regularized for their brave acts,” he announced, addressing the 20,000 SPOs serving in the J&K police.
