US experts to train cops on hovercraft operation
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 23 2011:
The three USA made hovercrafts for domination of Loktak lake from the insurgents are likely to be introduced by March, as preparations for the operation of the air-cushioned vehicles (ACVs) with Toubul police outpost as their base is in full swing.
The three hovercrafts each having a capacity of carrying 10 different kinds of sophisticated weapons arrived in Imphal last week and were transported the Toubul police outpost of Bishnupur district.
Prior to the introduction of the ACVs for counter insurgency operations, personnel of the Loktak Protection Force will be trained by experts from the USA.
They are scheduled to arrive in Imphal on February 27 or 28, an official source said Wednesday.
Manipur police department, purchased the hovercrafts for domination of Loktak lake which they consider a haven for insurgent outfits operating in the valley areas of the state.
It was bought under the 'modernization of police' scheme.
Loktak lake despite major flushing out operations, continues to pose at threat to the security forces, the source observed.
The centre's thrust to effectively deal with the insurgents and restore peace in the state was behind the procurement of the hovercrafts with the Central Government fund of Rs 5.23 crore.
Police believes that most of the major insurgent groups active in Manipur have their bases in the Loktak lake.