Bandipora, Jan 28: Paramilitary CRPF at Sopore in north Kashmir are in the process of procuring TAVOR assault rifles made in Israel “to counter the militancy in the area,” sources told Greater Kashmir on Friday.
 They said the guns have already been handed over to the CRPF men of 179 Battalion in Sopore town.
 Similar guns were reportedly procured by Army’s Special Para forces in 2009 after the approval of Defence Ministry.
 In the first phase, the sources said, the guns would be introduced in north Kashmir’s Sopore town after which they shall be used in other districts also, as and when the need arises.
 The 4 kilogram assault rifle uses 5.56 mm NATO ammunition, originally developed in the United States for use in the M16 rifle. The Tavor has a selective fire system—semi-automatic mode, burst mode and full automatic.
 Sources revealed that the AK-47 or 7.62 mm SLR used by the CRPF so far have not proved too effective in close quarter battles (CQB). “Therefore TAVOR has been introduced to combat militancy,” they said. “The AK-47s are easier to carry, but are not accurate enough. The weapons imported from Israel are not only accurate and lightweight, but also have a rate of fire to match the AK-47s,” said a CRPF official, insisting not to be named.
 The guns are fitted with special sights.
 Talking to Greater Kashmir Commanding Officer of 179 Battalion V.K Singh said: “We are in the process of receiving the TAVOR guns. Other battalions may have received these.”
 The CRPF Public Relations Officer Prabhkar Tripathi said: “We going to modernize our forces with latest guns and ammunitions and TAVOR usage is part of this modernization.”

Lastupdate on : Fri, 28 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST