NEW DELHI: Govt will provide bulletproof jackets and special helmets to Railway Protection Force ( RPF ) personnel deployed in Kashmir , railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Friday. He also reiterated that there is no question of privatisation of railways, and the national transporter’s focus is on providing affordable service to the poor.
Speaking at the 40th Raising Day Parade of the RPF, he said, “The RPF DG made a request for personnel deployed in Kashmir and that will be 100% fulfilled; bulletproof jackets, special helmets and other special equipment will be provided. There will be no compromise with the security of our force which is there to protect everyone. We will meet all your demands.”
Earlier in the day, RPF chief Manoj Yadava made two requests to the minister — to create more posts for deployment of security personnel in naxal-affected areas, the northeast and the Kashmir Valley, and provide bulletproof jackets and helmets for those who will be deployed when the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), connecting Jammu and the Valley, becomes fully operational.
Without naming opposition parties, Vaishnaw accused “certain sections” for spreading the rumour of privatisation of the railways.
“There is no question of privatisation of the railways. I urge those spreading such rumours to remember that the railways and defence are two backbones of India and must be spared from all kinds of politics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured the de-politicisation of railways. Our focus is on performance, safety, technology and providing affordable service to all,” he added.
Speaking at the 40th Raising Day Parade of the RPF, he said, “The RPF DG made a request for personnel deployed in Kashmir and that will be 100% fulfilled; bulletproof jackets, special helmets and other special equipment will be provided. There will be no compromise with the security of our force which is there to protect everyone. We will meet all your demands.”
Earlier in the day, RPF chief Manoj Yadava made two requests to the minister — to create more posts for deployment of security personnel in naxal-affected areas, the northeast and the Kashmir Valley, and provide bulletproof jackets and helmets for those who will be deployed when the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), connecting Jammu and the Valley, becomes fully operational.
Without naming opposition parties, Vaishnaw accused “certain sections” for spreading the rumour of privatisation of the railways.
“There is no question of privatisation of the railways. I urge those spreading such rumours to remember that the railways and defence are two backbones of India and must be spared from all kinds of politics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured the de-politicisation of railways. Our focus is on performance, safety, technology and providing affordable service to all,” he added.
