BHOPAL: It’s time for Madhya Pradesh Police’s Head Constables to say goodbye to the weighty World War II era .303 Lee-Enfield rifles and switch over to the much smarter 9 mm automatic pistols. “In the first phase, we’ll get over 5,000 pistols, which will be used to arm state police personnel down to the level of Head Constables in at Constables in Bhopal, Jabalpur, Indore and Gwalior,” a senior police officer told The Sunday Standard. In all, 15,000 pistols are likely to be procured from the ordnance factory in Kolkata, and will also be given to police personnel in 47 districts of the state.
“The idea has been on the blocks for two-three years. With the release of funds for police modernisation by the state government, orders for 9 mm pistols were placed a few weeks ago,” said a senior officer.
The 9 mm pistols will greatly enhance the combat ability of the force, particularly during the critical night patrol. Prior to this, police personnel down to the level of Assistant Sub-inspector were armed with pistols.
According to sources, Madhya Pradesh Police had 53,000-plus old firearms. Between 2011 and 2016, it purchased new weapons worth over `20 crore, but it still faces a shortage of 25 per cent new weapons. The obsolete .303 rifles will be given to the Department of Jails.
In the coming months, the state police will also get new AK-47s and INSAS rifles for personnel deployed in anti-Naxal operations in Balaghat and neighbouring districts, particularly in the wake of a renewed threat of a new group of red wing extremists trying to expand their base in Mandla and Dindori districts.
ARMED & DANGEROUS
World War II era .303 rifles will be replaced by 9 mm pistols
In the first phase, Head Constables will be armed with the pistols
In all, 15,000 pistols are being procured
The pistols will enhance the combat ability of the force
The.303 rifles will be given to the Department of Jails