Srinagar, Apr 15: The Jammu and Kashmir Police is gearing up to procure state-of-the-art up-armoring SUV vehicles under the police modernization plan in the Union Territory, officials on Monday said.
An officer at J&K Police Headquarters told Rising Kashmir that comprehensive plans are underway to acquire 25 up-armored vehicles. Among these, 10 Mahindra Scorpio SUVs and 15 Toyota Fortuner LMVs are slated to be up-armored to meet the stringent security demands of the region, he said.
The police official said that these up-armored vehicles are expected to provide enhanced protection to police personnel operating in challenging environments, including areas prone to terror activities and unrest.
“These vehicles are equipped with advanced security features, including bullet-resistant armor and reinforced chassis, these vehicles will enable law enforcement agencies to respond effectively to emerging threats,” he said.
The police officer said they have already issued tenders in this regard under B/4845612,4845656 in this regard.
He said earlier this year, the Defence Ministry has signed a Rs 1,056-crore contract with Mahindra Defence Systems Ltd (MDSL) for the supply of 1,300 Light Specialist Vehicles (LSVs). The induction of vehicles is planned to be completed in four years.
The police officer said that these vehicles have been indigenously designed and developed by MDSL. These combat vehicles boast exceptional agility and provide comprehensive protection against small arms fire. The move is aimed towards self-reliance in defence production, aligning with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives, he said.
Earlier this year, police also issued tenders for purchase 43 state-of-the-art Mob Controlling Vehicles. These vehicles are intended to augment the existing infrastructure and ensure more effective crowd management during L&O situations, he said.
Similarly plans were underway to get Mini Remotely Operated Vehicles (mROVs)designed for anti-terrorism operations, and 60 high-tech UAV drones.
In October last year, the J&K government constituted a 6-member Union Territory level Empowered Committee headed by Financial Commissioner (ACS) Home for “deliberating upon modernization plan of Jammu and Kashmir Police under the scheme Assistance to States or UTs and approving it for submission to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Government of India.
It was aimed at strengthening police infrastructure by equipping the police with the required mobility, modern technology, weaponry, communication equipment, etc.
