In the aftermath of deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where militants disguised in military camouflage wearing dresses used by security forces opened fire on tourists claiming the lives of 26 tourists, has highlighted a very sensitive and serious issue: –
“Prohibition on easy availability of military Police and Paramilitary forces uniforms in the open market”.
According to eyewitnesses, the militants who carried out the shooting at Baisaran valley of Pahalgam were wearing uniforms similar to those worn by security forces. This not only helped them gain the trust of the public but also created confusion and panic during the attack.
Under such scenario it is ripe time to ensure blanket ban on unauthorized Sale of camouflage Uniforms being worn by Army and other security forces.
The Indian Army has exclusive intellectual property rights over its new combat uniform’s design and camouflage pattern, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence.
Unauthorised manufacturing or sale of these uniforms is illegal and can attract penal/ legal actions, including civil suits and injunctions.
In J&K, Punjab, Uttarakhand and some other states the ban is being imposed, but in order to ensure that such uniforms remain out of reach of subversive elements there should be complete Prohibition of Unauthorized Sale and Storage of Army, Police or other Paramilitary forces uniforms/ articles in all Indian States/ UT’s.
The concerned Home Department should issue appropriate Notification for such Prohibition.
It has been observed that there are number of dealers who are selling such uniforms without any permission or authorization from any Competent authorities.
In order to check such Unauthorized sales it should be primarily ensured that the security forces personnel are provided uniforms from their unit stores only, but however if such uniforms are to be got stitched and sold by some authorized dealers or shops, the authorities should issue and strictly impose Prohibition orders with guidelines to be followed by the dealers who get authorization after getting registered.
In order to ensure Prohibition the DM’s of all districts should issue guidelines for registered private firms/dealers authorized for stitching and Sales of Such Uniforms.
The guidelines may include :-
That the private firms/ dealers should get them registered with DM office or any other authorized office specifying period of authorization.
The private firms/ dealers duly authorized should maintain proper record of uniforms etc being stitched or sold by them. They should properly maintain record specifying the number of uniforms/ articles sold or stitched by them mentioning the detailed particulars including names of the individual to whom sold after obtaining Identity proof.
Further such private firms/ dealers should submit monthly/ fortnightly the copies of such record to the local Police Station as well as to the authorizing office for the purpose of record and any requisite action in case of misuse. The records should be kept available at their premises for inspection by authorities.
Tehsildar, executive magistrate first class or an officer of the police of the rank of Assistant Sub-inspector or above should have the authority to check and inspect such registers.
However mere issuance of such Prohibitory orders is not going to serve the purpose unless it is ensured that orders are implemented in letter and spirit, which can be achieved only by ensuring strict checking and stringent action against violators.
Besides the Government should ensure that all the Commanding officers of concerned units whether of Army, Police or Paramilitary forces make sure that the officials under their Command are directed not to handover any such articles to any other person even if not being used by them.
