Plan to re-train forest personnel in weapons handling
2
Bhubaneswar: Following the killing of a forest guard in May by poachers using a pump-action gun carried by him, the wildlife wing of the forest department has planned to re-train all its personnel possessing various firearms.
Experts attributed the death to mishandling of the gun by the forest guard. The department provided all personnel with firearms last year after poachers killed two forest personnel in Similipal Tiger Reserve in 2023.
"After the firearms were given to forest personnel, they received some training from police. But that is not enough. While periodical training is necessary for gun handling, we want to carry it out soon.
We have had initial discussions with the home department. Proper training will ensure that the guns are not misused by poachers and are mostly used as a deterrent," said a top wildlife officer.
Initially, forest personnel used weapons owned by police such as pistols, revolvers and .303 rifles during their training. After the new weapons were received, they received another round of training. Four types of guns — 9mm pistol (automatic), pistol, 5.56mm Excalibur rifle(equivalent in lethality to Insas), and pump-action gun — have been given to forest personnel.
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While pistol is allowed to be used by deputy range officers and above rank, the Excalibur is for use by Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) personnel.
Pump-action guns were given to forest guards and foresters.
"For handling new guns, the personnel received three-day weapons training apart from training on tackling crisis situations. Altogether, 40 personnel in Similipal received training. They will get further training along with others in their respective districts from police," the officer added.
At least 10 years after the STPF was raised, its personnel received weapons training. They now trek the forest and track poachers with just sticks. A handful of them carry double-barrel firearms.
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