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The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is facing a dearth of bulletproof helmets, the shortage estimated to be an astounding 98 percent. As per the Minister of State of Home Affairs Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary, who admitted to the authenticity of the claim, there is a “significant scarcity” of the of the key protective headgear i.e bulletproof helmets in the CRPF. Opposed to 1,22,485 bulletproof helmets, there are only 1852 bulletproof helmets available. The reason for the shortage is the unavailability of optimum quality bulletproof helmets, providing the desired level of protection.
The Union Home Ministry has authorised another 27412 bulletproof jackets ; however the issue of bulletproof helmets is still largely languishing in the dark.
Head injuries are one of the most common causes of death
Head injuries are one of the primary reason for fatality in conflict-ridden zones. On March, 2014, 15 CRPF jawans lost their lives in an ambush battle with Maoists in Sukma, Chhattisgarh. Most of the death were due to bullets shot in the head. We are still sending our soldiers without adequate safeguards endangering their lives as a result.
Red Tape Putting Lives Of Our Jawans In Danger
After Sukma bloodbath in 2014, Ministry of Home Affairs decided to fast-track the acquisition of bulletproof helmets for the CRPF but even in 2016 they only have 1852 helmets. The CRPF is undertaking a techno-medical assessment to obtain the desired quality and quantity of bulletproof helmets. Army clearly states that every soldier in insurgency- hit areas will be provided with a bullet proof helmet.
The Logical Indian requests the government to do what it takes to safeguard our soldiers. Our respect and love for the army has not adequately been reflected in safeguarding them from the enemy’s bullets. Our soldier who off late have been dragged into for political gains should be safeguarded and provided with adequate facilities like food, water and medical facilities. There have been many instances the wounded officers were taken to hospitals in bullock cart. The government should give the highest priority to the soldiers who keep us safe and solve all the outstanding issues facing them.
