Srinagar, Aug 12: The mine protected vehicles (MPV) inducted into Army and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has become savior of troops in Kashmir.
These vehicles, routinely spotted on the streets and highways of Jammu and Kashmir, secure troops from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) explosions, short range gunfire and stone-pelting.
Defence sources said that from last one year these vehicles have become essential part of all operations initiated by forces.
Carrying upto a dozen fully armed personnel, along with driver and co-driver, the vehicles have a provision for gun sights in bullet proof glass from where troops can take on targets outside. There is also a provision to install a rotating heavier gun on top of the vehicle.
“Forces swapped normal transport vehicles to South Africa-made bullet-proof Mine Protected Vehicles (MVP) for patrolling or ambushes against militants in Kashmir,” military sources said.
They said that MPVs were pressed into service by both Army and CRPF during recently concluded Amarnath Yatra for Highway patrol from Lakhanpur to Pahalgam and Baltal as well as Road Opening Parties.
“In sensitive areas Quick Reaction Teams also used the MPV, which is safer than earlier trucks and Gypsies. Several times we used it to shift VIPs or civilians from encounter sites to safer place. It was also used in Nowshera sector of Rajouri to evacuate school children amid heavy fire,” sources sad.
“The vehicle is an engineering marvel; it’s like a bullet proof bunker on wheels, which provides increased protection to troops engaged in counter-militancy operations,” said an officer.
“MPV blocks bullets fired from close or long range by common assault weapons like AK-47 or INSAS and is also helpful during movement in stone pelting in Kashmir,” he said, adding, “It also has inbuilt firing holes, which is used by troops to target enemy without stepping out,” he said.
“The self confidence of troops has increased after induction of this vehicle, now while engaging in CI operation or laying an ambush soldiers feels confident and protected,” he said.
Military sources said, “In Kashmir every Rashtriya Rifles company has its own MPV while central government is keen to upgrade fleet of CRPF and other paramilitary forces rapidly.”
“Government has already placed an order for acquisition of more 200 MPVs. The delivery of these vehicles will begin by 2018,” the officer said, adding, “Newel inducted vehicles will be used in Jammu and Kashmir and North-Eastern states.”
Army, CRPF induct South African made mine-protected vehicles in Kashmir
