The Hindu : National : CRPF should bring back insurgents to mainstream

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Sunday, Oct 30, 2005

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National

CRPF should bring back insurgents to mainstream

Staff Reporter

Study problems; provide counseling, says Kalam

NEW DELHI: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Saturday exhorted the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to take up the "special task" of bringing back insurgent groups to the national mainstream and involve them in development activities through an integrated reformation and rehabilitation plan.

Speaking at the CRPF's 66th Raising Day function, Dr. Kalam said special CRPF teams, in coordination with social scientists, could study the problems of insurgent groups and through counselling, correction, education, healthcare and employment, and ensure their participation in societal missions. "If CRPF succeeds in this mission in one area, it can definitely be replicated in other parts of the country."

"Presently, I find, day by day instability is on the rise in society. The prosperity of the nation, even if it is achieved by the year 2020, does not ensure the safety and security of the people if we are not able to inculcate discipline among our youth. When I see the CRPF personnel with their disciplined life and love for the nation, I am certain, people of our nation lead disciplined life."

Similarly, the other disciplined force is the National Cadet Corps and the scouts and guides. "I would recommend that NCC cadets, and scouts and guides be enlisted by the CRPF while undertaking disaster management and rehabilitation operations.

It would not only increase the resource of the force, but would also provide hands-on training to our youth in managing real-life problems," he suggested.

Dr. Kalam also asked the force to rely on state-of-the-art technology to mitigate the number of casualties occurring in each operation.

"The advent of new technologies has provided a new dimension of surveillance and dealing with adversaries especially during internal security operations.

Advanced sensors have become crucial for surveillance and to forewarn many situations," he said, adding that these gadgets and equipment could provide better solutions for critical operations.

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