By IANS
New Delhi : The paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) chief Wednesday said the force must adapt quickly to changing tactics of insurgents and terror groups, a day after its 16 troopers were killed by Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district.
Police Tuesday discovered bodies of 24 security personnel, including 16 CRPF troopers, six special police officers (SPOs) and two district policemen, who had gone missing after a gun battle with rebels in Dantewada.
"The force must adapt fast to the changing tactics of the various insurgents and terrorist groups. There is also a need to constantly revise operational drills and upgrade the skills of the jawans (troopers) to battle extremists effectively, CRPF director general S.I.S Ahmed said at a two-day conference of inspector generals here.
Ahmed said the force have done well in bringing down violence in Jammu and Kashmir and northeastern states, besides checking the spread of Leftist extremism in various states.
However, he cautioned: "Operational success often leads to retaliatory attacks and we must be prepared."
The conference, which concluded Wednesday, focused on various issues including modernisation of equipment and improving the standard of troopers' training to allow them fight the insurgents more proficiently.
It also focused on operational success, losses and existing security scenario in their respected areas of operation.
Additional Director General of the CRPF Koshy said the welfare of jawans is crucial for creating a vibrant and efficient force.
"It is the responsibility of all senior officers to see that steps are taken to ensure timely assistance to the jawans, and ask them to strengthen their grievance redressal mechanisms," Koshy said.