After being frequently bloodied by stones thrown by mobs in Kashmir, the CRPF is now in the process of acquiring protective gear for ?total body protection against stones, projectiles and ordinary chemicals?. The gear, 600 sets of which the CRPF plans to procure for now, includes a chest protector, shoulder and elbow pads, and elbow, thigh and shin guards. Over 1,800 CRPF personnel have been injured after being struck by stones in the Valley over the past two years?250 have been injured since the current phase of street violence began on June 11.
The Force is also getting over 900 pairs of riot-control gloves with ?moulded black hard shell Carbon-Tek fibre knuckles and panels to deflect blows and debris? and ?leather shells with reinforced palms?. The gloves, said a source, are ?designed to protect the user against injuries during close contact with potentially violent individuals, as well as in riot and civil disturbance situations?.
The CRPF is also planning to switch to a new pepper spray that has red pepper, military tear gas and an ultraviolet marking dye that can help identify suspects.
?The combination of inflammatory effects of red pepper and the severe facial irritation caused by tear gas produces an effect far superior to any single-ingredient defence spray,? said a source. A hundred containers of the ?3-in-1 sprays? are being procured, and could be deployed immediately.