CRPF, SOG, J-K Police is now trained to operate snipers. The personnel have been trained by the National Security Guards. Snipers have potential to take down terrorist and saving ammunition

A specially trained squad of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu & Kashmir Police (JKP) is likely to take down the next Fidayeen attackers by sniping them.

The personnel have been trained by the National Security Guards (NSG) over the past one year in Manesar and more recently in the Lethapora CRPF training camp in Pulwama.

Director General (DG) Sudhir Pratap Singh said, "Sniping is used world wide as a specialised tactic. It is an important skill which all forces must acquire while dealing with terrorist"

One of the black cat commando who trained the security forces in the Valley said, "The advantage of the sniper weapon is that it has a longer range and requires a skilled marksman. Also, less ammunition is used."

NSG has acquired the latest sniping weapon PSG 1 Alpha 1 Sniper and 7.6 mm Beretta sniper rifle.

AK 47s are used in close combat operations by both terrorists and xecurity personnel, but it does not have long range, This is where snipers have an advantage. Also, sniper utilises one bullet at a time.

The CRPF and JKP have only PSG sniping rifles. Though trained in sniping, the personnel missed the opportunity to take down three Jaish-e-Mohammed fidayeen who attacked the camp on December 31.

IG CRPF Ravideep Shahi said, "The sniping squad could not be used as it involves the target to be in the visible range, an opportunity which was not available then."

While the NSG trainers have acquired skills from special forces and para commandos, they have now acquired their own ability, teaching its own force and the other state police and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF).

A sniping competition has been included in the All India Police Commando Competition to be held in Manesar from 13 to 20 January. Ten teams from the state police and CAPF will be participating in the event.

In the two decade long militancy, there have been many changes in tactics and weaponry, the snipers have potential to take down terrorist saving men and ammunition from terrorist.