Goan cops send arms wish list to Centre

Goan cops send arms wish list to Centre
Preetu Nair | TNN

Panaji: The Goa government has asked the Centre for advanced arms and ammunition to fight terrorists, better infrastructure and equipment for coastal police, modern surveillance tools and advanced communication technology for the Goa police.
The estimated cost of the equipment sought has been pegged at approximately Rs 100 crore, and would strengthen the Goa police force. The proposal was sent after Union minister of state for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal, at a meeting with the Goa chief minister, Home minister and police officials on December 24 had asked for a list of requirements.
The state government has requested the Centre to provide the infrastructure and equipment during the financial year 2009-10.
IGP Kishan Kumar confirmed that a proposal to improve the police infrastructure and equipment was sent to the Central government. “Through the state government we have moved a proposal to the Centre for more arms and ammunition, better facilities for the coastal police, vehicles for beat constables and improved communication systems,” said Kumar.
Sources said that the list of demands includes guns, 200 each of hybrid weapon Insas and AK-56s, besides more AK-47s and 7.62 SLRs. Most of the weapons the Goa police possesses today are vintage quality .303 rifles. The police have also sought more vehicles — jeeps for the coastal and traffic police, as well as for the police control room staff and about 320 motorcycles for the beat constables, so that each beat will have its own vehicle, sources said.
The police have also proposed the introduction of an advanced communication technology system. Currently, most police communication is done through the wireless.
GUNNING FOR MORE
The list of demands includes guns, 200 each of hybrid weapon Insas and AK-56s, besides more AK-47s and 7.62 SLR
The police have also sought more vehicles —jeeps and about 320 motorcycles Goa police propose better radio network
Panaji: The Goa police propose to introduce TETRA communication and Cipa system in all police stations in the state, sources said.
While Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) communication is a combined version of the modern digital private mobile radio (PMR) and public access mobile radio (PAMR) technology, which heightens security over air for police, the Cipa system will enable police stations to access data and information from other police stations in the country.
The proposal also focuses on improving the coastal police stations by making them better equipped with ammunition, communication systems and speed boats.
At the moment there are three coastal police stations,
but the proposal suggests more of these at the one major and five minor ports, besides creating new sea check posts, to keep an eye on vessels entering the state through the sea.
Currently the coastal police have no high-tech speed boats. While the Central government has promised nine speed boats, the police require about fifteen more to man the 125 km long coastline.
While the necessary equipment and infrastructure would be provided by the Centre, the state government would have to provide the manpower for the new coastal police stations, said sources.
At present the coastal police stations located at Siolim, Betul and harbour are functioning either from existing outposts or police station buildings.

December 29, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition