SHILLONG: The Centre has sanctioned 1000 Self-Loading Rifle (SLRs) against payment to replace the obsolete .303 rifles for Home Guards personnel in Meghalaya.
The initiative was taken by Kulbir Krishan, Director General, Civil Defence and Home Guards, Meghalaya, who retired from active service on January 31.
Home guard personnel are deployed for guarding VIPs and also for general law and order duties in the State.
Krishan on Sunday informed that after his intervention and a meeting with Central officials, the Ministry of Home Affairs sanctioned 1000 SLRs which were earlier in the possession of the Central Reserve Police Force.
The State Government has paid Rs.10 lakh to procure 1000 SLRs which will be collected from Allahabad shortly.
Meanwhile, sources informed that the State Police is keen to get a share out of the 1000 SLRs to equip its personnel.