Kolkata, November 01 2009: The army has finally patented its uniform.

The Ordnance Factory, Avadi, in Chennai, has warned that legal steps would be taken against companies that continue to churn out clothing that resemble battle fatigues worn by soldiers.

For long, the army had been concerned about the use of camouflage clothing by civilians.

Even militants in insurgency-hit areas use such clothing.

This makes it difficult for troops to distinguish between the enemy and their comrades.

Even Maoist leader Koteswar Rao alias Kishanji was seen wearing camouflage trousers on the night he released Atindranath Dutta, the abducted officer-in-charge of Sankrail police station.

"We have patented two varieties of camouflage.

One is a jungle pattern in green and the other a desert pattern in brown.

Both will have the logo of the Indian Army.

Till now, we could do little against companies manufacturing such textile.

Now, we can take legal action even if a product resembles our cloth in any way.

Textile manufacturers, traders and even the general public have been asked to inform us of any misuse of the designs," a senior officer said.

In some parts of the country, like Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and Assam, use of camouflage clothing by civilians is banned in principle.

The use of jungle' shoes readily available across the counter at many stores is also discouraged.

However, with no law to fall back on, the defence ministry could not take any legal steps against the offenders.

"In recent times, it has become fashionable among the youth to wear combat fatigues.

It may be alright in peaceful locations, but there is immense confusion in insurgency-hit states.

It is very difficult to distinguish between friend and foe during a crisis.

The situation turns worse when there are civilians moving around in fatigues.

In fact, we also strongly object to the use of combat fatigues by security agencies," the officer added.

But what about central paramilitary force units who use combat fatigues.

Sources said the Ordnance Factory Board has already started selling the material to the ministry of home affairs.

"Some paramilitary units have even started using the material for their uniform.

When the OFB can manufacture weapons and supplies for such organisations, why can't we supply uniforms.

The uniforms may carry the Indian Army logo but this will not lead to problems.

In fact, this will lead to solidarity," another officer said.

The officer added that action under the Copyright Act can also be taken against civilians continuing to wear camouflaged clothing.

Such people may even be charged with wearing combat fatigues to confuse those actually entitled to wear them.

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