"Seeing the way riots are controlled in developed countries it has become all the more necessary that advanced technology be introduced. Crime in India has become more hi-tech. Outdated technology will not do," CRPF director general MN Sabarwal told India Abroad News Service.

"The formation of Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been a landmark in riot control in India. The very organisation of the force istechnology based. After all you need technology to control communal riots at very short notice. We are effectively using `Vajra', a compact riot control vehicle which can carry men and equipment at short notice," he added.

Introduction of `Agnivarsha', a tear-smoke launcher which can release seven smoke shells either individually or at once, is being considered a boon. "All forces which are into tackling communal riots find an ally in `Agnivarsha'. It is of immense use to the CRPF, BSF, RAF," said Koshy Koshy, director (training) in BPR&D. Quick reloading and a range of 135 metres are the strengths of this launcher.

"Earlier rioters could throw the fired tear-smoke shells back at the police, but since new shells are made of plastic and get very hot after they are fired, rioters can't even pick them up," says a weapon expert. Other riot control innovations which have been introduced are high pressure water cannons, non-lethal munitions and gas guns.

The multi-shot riot gun capable of fast firing isanother important introduction. "Riots have to be handled firmly. Today a rioter has a specific motive. And if that motive is to physically harm a policeman then the policeman has to be ready lethally," says Rakesh Jaruhar, director (development) in BPR&D.

The BPR&D has also introduced gadgets like Global Positioning System (GPS) by which police control rooms can locate any police vehicle. "This is by far the most important innovation. It has increased our speed and efficiency," claims Jaruhar. He says All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) are also a necessary innovation. Though they will not be seen in Delhi, they will prove valuable for the border areas.

Jaruhar, however, says more than technology it is the user of the technology who is important. "We are a democracy. The police here has to be prepared for the next millennium. So militarisation is not the final answer to our problems. Any conflict has to be resolved liberally. And for this attitudinal changes in the police have to be introduced," he feels.