Jawans On India-China Border Will Now Get Same Protective Gear That Is Used Against Stone-Pelting In Kashmir

The paramilitrary troops patrolling the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China will now be using the protective body armour used by security forces against stone pelting in Kashmir, reports Economic Times.

The body armour will fend off sharp-edged baton and stone attacks by Chinese troops.

According to the report, the Centre is working on a detailed plan according to which each company of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which along with the Army is responsible for patrolling the 3,488 km LAC, will have 'full-body protectors' for at least 10 per cent of its personnel.

The armours can be used on a rotational basis by troops going for patrolling. During unarmed confrontation, the security personnel in protective gears will provide cover to the patrol units.

Weighing around 6 kg, the armour has chest protectors, shoulder pads, guards for upper arm, elbow, forearm as well as full lower body protective gear.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had first introduced the full body protectors in Jammu and Kashmir to counter stone-pelters. The protectors are resistant to kerosene, petrol, diesel and Molotov cocktail. They can also withstand temperatures of minus 20 degree celsius to 55 degree celsius for up to five hours.

The move reportedly comes as the government is likely to give additional responsibilities to ITBP as part of its plan to prevent face-to-face contact between the two armies after the Galwan-clash.