Working to boost intel, morale among troops is very high: CRPF chief

CRPF leader Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar tells TOI’s Neeraj Chauhan the drive has decided to make stronger its IED detection and intelligence functions following the Pulwama attack. He says the drive is working on a new SOP with other agencies because the February 14 attackers had a distinct modus operandi, Excerpts:

Post-Pulwama, what are your plans to make soldiers protected?

So much has already came about in the previous few years. We have enhanced camp safety, the federal government has provided us with bullet-proof jackets, vehicles, guns and technical equipment. But since IEDs have turn out to be an issue, every CRPF battalion in J&K will now have a BDDS (bomb detection and disposal squad). About 250 men are being educated in IED detection. J&K law enforcement officials are also being educated at our IED institute in Pune. Subsequently, we can get mine-protected vehicles .

Any p lans to make convoy actions more secure with out causing inconvenience to civilian site visitors?

We are operating on this with all stakeholders, together with J&K police, Army and intelligence agencies. Certain drills are being developed for vehicle-borne IED attack.

Convoys will transfer in some way that civilian site visitors is least disturbed. In fact, several convoys have moved on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in the closing 10 days with none hassle. One method could be to divert civilian site visitors to the old highway while we transfer on the new one.

What a re the findings of the court docket of enquiry into the Pulwama incident to peer if there were any lapses on CRPF's phase?

There used to be no deviation from the usual working procedure. Nonetheless, we are operating on a new SOP with other agencies because the February 14 attack had a distinct modus operandi.

Lok Sabha elections and the Amarnath Yatra are bobbing up. Are arrangements in place?

We are absolutely prepared. CRPF is a combating drive and morale amongst troops is very prime. Terrorists may not be allowed to disturb the peace.

What are you doing for the families of martyrs?

We are growing a centralised machine via an app, the place our headquarters can without delay and repeatedly help the families with recommendation related to training and funds, help in getting government paintings executed, or even discovering jobs. For example, the spouse of commandant Pramod Kumar, who died combating terrorists in J&K in 2016, were given a lecturer's process in Jharkhand via CRPF's efforts.