SHILLONG: Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh has advised the police engaged in counter-insurgency operations to use “open vehicles” which are convenient for faster retaliation in case of any ambush by the militants.
The vehicle used by the police patrol party ambushed on May 4 near Mendipathar was a Tata Sumo, which is not suitable for such operations.
However, the Home Minister added, “We will procure some bullet proof vehicles for our police personnel.”
Speaking to The Shillong Times Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Rajiv Mehta also supported the move of the State Home Department on using “open vehicles” saying, “In open vehicles we can retaliate at ease as we can remain more alert to attack the militants.”
According to Mehta, in a vehicle like Sumo the cops have to duck inside when the militants attack whereas in open vehicles they can openly retaliate the attackers.
When asked if bullet proof vehicles would be a better option rather than “open vehicles” in anti-terror activities, the senior police official said the State has only 18-20 bullet proof vehicles.
“We have some old bullet proof vehicles procured years back to check HNLC activities and some of them are still functioning,” he said.
