J&K POLICE TO GET DRONES FOR SURVEILLANCE
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir police are set to buy 50 more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones to increase surveillance and thwart possible protests and movement of terrorists, said senior officials familiar with the matter.
The police force, which has a fleet of around two dozen drones, has its task cut out ever since the Centre stripped J&K of its special status and split the state into two union territories on August 5 & 6. The officials said the drones would be procured within a month.
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir police are set to buy 50 more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones to increase surveillance and thwart possible protests and movement of terrorists, said senior officials familiar with the matter.
The police force, which has a fleet of around two dozen drones, has its task cut out ever since the Centre stripped J&K of its special status revoking Article 370 and splitting the state into two union territories on August 5 & 6.
The officials said the proposal has been cleared by the Union home ministry, and the drones would be procured within a month.
“We have already floated tenders for UAV purchase and after the completion of the process, police could get UAVs,’’ said one of the senior police officers cited above, requesting anonymity. He, however, refused to give further details and specifics about the drones.
Earlier, the police used to depend on army drones, the officials said. Now, the police will train their personnel to operate these UAVs, which would be equipped with cameras to scan the terrains and mountainous region in J&K.
Since the curfew-like restrictions were imposed in the Valley on August 5, forces have been using choppers and small UAVs to alert the control room about any protests or law and order issues on the ground.
According to the police, more than 190 law and order incidents have taken place in the Valley since August 5.
Additional director general of police (law & order) Muneer Khan said the issue of UAV is handled by the police headquarters. “I won’t be able to say anything on this.’’
› We have already floated tenders for UAV purchase and after the completion of the process, police could get UAVs. SENIOR POLICE OFFICER