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The Central Government has decided to arm its exclusive riot control force - the Rapid Action Force -- with modern non-lethal weapons to tackle violent disturbances effectively and without deadly outcomes across the country.
“If the nation and the society expect the forces to be able to handle riotous mobs without the use of deadly weapons, then the forces need the latest and the most sophisticated non-lethal weapons,” Minister of State for Home, M Ramachandran said, assuring the paramilitary force that the Centre was taking steps to induct more non-lethal weaponry for them.
Ramachandran was speaking on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of the RAF being celebrated at 104 RAF Battalion in Aligarh.
The Rapid Action Force (RAF) was created in 1992 after being carved out of the CRPF and presently has strength of 10 battalions comprising about 10,000 personnel.
Director General of CRPF, K Vijay Kumar said, “It has been noticed over the years that rioters are becoming more aggressive and have started using deadlier implements. At the same time, there is an ever-increasing sensitivity and expectations of the society with regard to the type and quantum of force used in dealing with riotous mobs.”
The RAF plans to induct more modern and sophisticated non-lethal weapons in its armoury in view of the changing scenario,” Kumar said.
The DG said the latest RAF armoury additions include the long range acoustic device, laser dazzler, various types of soft 40 mm rounds and pepper ball launchers among others.
“If the nation and the society expect the forces to be able to handle riotous mobs without the use of deadly weapons, then the forces need the latest and the most sophisticated non-lethal weapons,” Minister of State for Home, M Ramachandran said, assuring the paramilitary force that the Centre was taking steps to induct more non-lethal weaponry for them.
Ramachandran was speaking on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of the RAF being celebrated at 104 RAF Battalion in Aligarh.
The Rapid Action Force (RAF) was created in 1992 after being carved out of the CRPF and presently has strength of 10 battalions comprising about 10,000 personnel.
Director General of CRPF, K Vijay Kumar said, “It has been noticed over the years that rioters are becoming more aggressive and have started using deadlier implements. At the same time, there is an ever-increasing sensitivity and expectations of the society with regard to the type and quantum of force used in dealing with riotous mobs.”
The RAF plans to induct more modern and sophisticated non-lethal weapons in its armoury in view of the changing scenario,” Kumar said.
The DG said the latest RAF armoury additions include the long range acoustic device, laser dazzler, various types of soft 40 mm rounds and pepper ball launchers among others.
