CRPF holds drinks responsible for fratricides

CRPF holds drinks responsible for fratricides

JAMMU JAN 27: CRPF has blamed alcoholism as a major reason for fratricidal killings in its ranks. The country’s biggest paramilitary force has ignored stress arising out of continuous deployment as well as lack of promotional avenues and deteriorating level of discipline as reasons for the same. In a letter dispatched last week to the zonal headquarters in Jammu and Kashmir Additional Director General (Operations) PM Nair said, “It appears that the liquor being issued to personnel in wet areas is consumed in barracks and in isolation. More often, verbal duels and personal issues crop up in such situations.

Therefore, it would be advisable that consumption of issued liquor be permitted only in a common mess and in the presence of competent supervisory officials.”

The letter further said, “At any cost, liquor should not be allowed to be carried to the barracks and private rooms in battalion/company locations.”

Advising the zonal formations to nip the aberrations in the bud, the CRPF has asked the superior officers to address alcoholism and other deviancies in the right earnest.

The paramilitary force has asked the zonal headquarters to ensure evening roll call after dinner to help check personnel sneaking out and indulging in consumption of alcohol outside camps and checking of every vehicle entering the camp. Likewise, luggage of personnel returning from leave or duty may be checked.

It has also advised that habitual drinkers should be identified and the Company Commander should keep a vigilant eye on such personnel.

Other measures suggested include maintaining a proper list of teetotalers so that liquor is not issued in their names by the canteens and conduct of surprise checks of kit items/bags in the barracks besides keeping a watch on procurement of liquor from shops adjoining CRPF campuses.

It has further advised the field formations to report the existence of unauthorised liquor shops near CRPF camps to the local police for appropriate action.

The advisory also mentions the need to ensure control on the use, upkeep and utilisation of weapons.

Insiders say lack of regimentation and cohesion in the ranks due to transfer of personnel from one unit to another is another reason that adds on to the stress of the jawans. Sources also blamed lack of deteriorating level discipline as yet another reason for such casualties. 15 persons were killed due to fratricide in 2010 followed by six personnel in 2011 and three in just a few days that have elapsed this year.

“In operational areas, weapons are not deposited for long spells. This has led to lack of control over the upkeep and use of weapons, This has adversely affected the accountability in respect of use of weapons,” the letter said asking the Sector Inspectors General to devise a system whereby weapons are deposited once a week and reissued to the personnel.

During the process of deposit, the paramilitary advised, to take complete care about the maintenance and upkeep and all related aspects, including check of ammunitions.

Another factor noticed by the CRPF is that often weapons issued to the personnel are deemed to be issued on a continuous basis and even when personnel are not on duty, they are made to hold the weapons.

“The Sector IsG should revisit this practice and see if there is any requirement of keeping the weapons when the personnel are not on duty for long periods. After careful assessment, a system could be devised by which some of the men could deposit their weapons. This would impact them psychologically and make them feel relaxed and would facilitate better care when they are on the job. Weapons should not become a burden or liability, it should become an asset.”

[State Observer]