Jammu And Kashmir Police To Get 50 Drones To Keep Eye On Militancy

The Jammu and Kashmir police expanded its surveillance system with an upcoming acquisition of 50 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Union Home Ministry has approved the biggest UAV procurements for the J&K police. The UAVs will help the police to keep an eye on protesters and militant movements. People privy to details of the procurements said that tenders have already been floated by the procurement wing of the J&K police and the process could be completed by this month which would give cops more eyes in the sky.

The police earlier used to seek assistance from army units for using drones. Officials, however, said after the procurement of drones or UAVs, the police will become more tech-savvy especially in the Kashmir. After the abrogation of Article 370, officials have braced for an increase in militant activities and the possibilities of small incidents triggering bigger protests. After the UAVs are procured, they are likely to be stationed at different police districts. The Army has been using UAVs for a few years in different parts of the Valley and on the Line of Control to track the militant movements in forest areas.