With similar kind of fatigues for security forces in Jammu and Kashmir leading to confusion during operations, the defence and security establishment at the Centre is considering the introduction of distinct combat uniforms in the region, say reports. A source in the department concerned said, “The common combat fatigues lead to confusion during operations and otherwise. We are looking at the pros and cons of having different combat uniforms.” In the present set-up, the three main forces in the region — Indian Army, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police — often end up donning similar fatigues during operations which creates an issue on certain occasions, said sources.
“Each force has a specific role during operations. While the Army is involved in pure counter-terrorism operations, the CRPF in tasked with both helping in counter-terror operations by forming the second layer of defence when the Army operates, and of course the law and order duties including crowd control.
“The Jammu and Kashmir Police has a mandate just like any other regular police force and their Special Operations Group takes part in operations with Army,” said a source, explaining the distinct roles of the three forces. Even terrorists have been found to be using similar combat uniforms to hoodwink citizens and security forces. In most attacks on security establishments, the terrorists have been found wearing combat uniforms similar to those of the Indian forces.
During the 2018 strike on a BSF camp in Srinagar, a Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist almost managed to camouflage himself among the security forces. However, an alert trooper spotted him and shot him dead. Sources said the matter has been flagged in the past as well, with the Army first raising the issue. The people of Jammu and Kashmir identify the security forces with the word “fauj”, which literally means the Army, said the source quoted above. This confusion in identification creates another security issue as Army personnel from the Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Forces also take on appearances of the local crowd to blend in.
