How prepared are UT police for a fidayeen attack?

Amit Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 29

The lack of regular anti-insurgency training for the elite commandos of the Chandigarh Police could prove to be a stumbling block for them to handle a fidayeen attack of the intensity similar to the July 27 incident at Dinanagar in Gurdaspur.

Though equipped with AK 47, INSAS assault rifle, LMG (light machine gune), SLR (self-loading rifle) and carbine and sniper rifle, a number of such commandos, who should be solely at the disposal of the operations cell and exposed to regular training in such operations, are deputed with senior UT officials and the top brass of the police.

Such trained personnel are even burdened with routine work, including naka duty and duty at public places such as bus stands.

The Chandigarh Police boast of a long list of latest weaponry. However, there is no regular firing practice. “Firing practice is conducted once or twice a year close to Independence Day and Republic Day or before some VVIP visit to the city,” said a commando on condition of anonymity.

Earlier, police personnel used to go for training to the NSG training centre at Manesar. However, the practice was discontinued some time ago.

The UT police are also short of experienced police officers, who can be instrumental during such operations. Two DSPs of the UT cadre, who are experienced, are at present on an extension.

AS Cheema, DIG, Chandigarh, said several training programmes were conducted for which police personnel were sent to the Punjab Police Commando Training Centre, Bahadurgarh, in Patiala. “Recently, 39 commandos got a three-month training at Bahadurgarh. Moreover, we also have to see their availability for training as police personnel are needed during scheduled events such as on January 26 and August 15, besides other unscheduled events,” he said.

The DIG said police personnel visited the ITBP, Bhanu, for firing practice. However, once the firing range in Sector 25, Chandigarh, is ready, it would be more comfortable practising there.

On the issue of weapons, he said though the UT police were comfortable in terms of weapons, they were planning to induct new weapons as there a wider choice was available now.

Police officials said they were again in the process of sending a request to the NSG training camp, Manesar, for getting police personnel trained there.