In the wake of the frequent militant attacks and increasing militant related activities, the Army and CRPF have sought a fresh ban on the sale of combat uniform in J&K especially in Kashmir valley.
Sources told KNS that the forces operating in valley have written to the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Home Affairs demanding strict ban on the sale and purchase of combat uniform.
The move has been taken fearing apprehensions that militant may misuse the combat uniforms.
“In every video clip we see militants in Army fatigue. Not only Army, they use other combat uniforms of CRPF, BSF and other forces. It is a point of concern. Recently we got hold on a video in which militants were wearing CRPF uniform,” said a top Army official from New Delhi.
Militants in Army combat uniforms have carried out several attacks on army and paramilitary forces over the years. A deadly attack was carried at the police lines in south Kashmir’s Pulwama last month in which 8 security personnel’s and three Fidayeens (wearing combat uniforms), who had stormed inside the camp, were killed in a two-day long encounter.
Later, a similar attack was carried near the Srinagar International Airport, sending alarming bells to the security establishment.
The combat uniforms are easily available in the market even though the divisional administration had already imposed ban on its sale and purchase.
“Implementing the ban is not in our jurisdiction. It is the duty of the State government,” a top official in CRPF said.
“Anybody can buy it from anywhere. It needs to find out what the policy is and why it is available,” said a top Army officer at Srinagar based Army’s Chinar Corps headquarters.
The state government under notification number Div.com /PS/150-60/CID had earlier imposed ban on the sale and purchase of the combat uniforms but what has become a serious concern in the army and other security agencies is its easy availability in the market.
“Purchase, stitching, and storage of army combat uniform (camouflage and O.G colour) including stocking or sale of such ready-made dress materials, is strictly banned as per the order.