A move by North Carolina police sheriff to arm school resource officers with assault rifles is meeting incredulous reactions from gun reform advocates. Buddy Harwood, the police sheriff has said that he felt obliged to do so after shootout at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, which saw 19 children being killed by a&nbsp;gunman.

“Having just a deputy armed with a handgun isn’t enough to stop these animals,” Harwood said in a video statement he posted to Facebook in June.

“My school resource officers will not have to wait, retreat, or have to leave the situation to get the weaponry to deal with that threat.”

Local media reported that the sheriff's plan involved military-style weapons to be locked in undisclosed location in county's schools.

“I think it is absolute insanity. This won’t save a single child, or stop a single unknown and potential future act of violence,” said Fred Guttenberg, as quoted by The Guardian. Guttenberg's own daughter was killed in shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018

“However, it will immediately help to sell more guns and make this sheriff more popular with the gun lobby that he is hoping to be a champion with,” he said.

Right to bear arms has been enshrined in the US Constitution. Each time a school shootout, such as the&nbsp;one in Texas, takes place, there is increased clamour in the US for gun controls. But such efforts are always opposed by the politically influential gun lobby in the country.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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A move by North Carolina police sheriff to arm school resource officers with assault rifles is meeting incredulous reactions from gun reform advocates. Buddy Harwood, the police sheriff has said that he felt obliged to do so after shootout at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, which saw 19 children being killed by a gunman.

A move by North Carolina police sheriff to arm school resource officers with assault rifles is meeting incredulous reactions from gun reform advocates. Buddy Harwood, the police sheriff has said that he felt obliged to do so after shootout at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, which saw 19 children being killed by a gunman. “Having just a deputy armed with a handgun isn’t enough to stop these animals,” Harwood said in a video statement he posted to Facebook in June. “My school resource officers will not have to wait, retreat, or have to leave the situation to get the weaponry to deal with that threat.” Local media reported that the sheriff's plan involved military-style weapons to be locked in undisclosed location in county's schools. “I think it is absolute insanity. This won’t save a single child, or stop a single unknown and potential future act of violence,” said Fred Guttenberg, as quoted by The Guardian. Guttenberg's own daughter was killed in shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018 “However, it will immediately help to sell more guns and make this sheriff more popular with the gun lobby that he is hoping to be a champion with,” he said. Right to bear arms has been enshrined in the US Constitution. Each time a school shootout, such as the one in Texas, takes place, there is increased clamour in the US for gun controls. But such efforts are always opposed by the politically influential gun lobby in the country. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Move to place assault rifles in US schools draws strong reaction

The Indian Army has started inducting its newly acquired <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-signs-rs-700-crore-contract-with-us-firm-for-72400-assault-rifles-to-replace-insas-196981">American SiG Sauer assault rifles</a> for counter-terrorist operations.

According to the sources, the first lot of 10,000 SiG 716 assault rifles has arrived in India and has been sent to the Northern Command.

In February this year, India had signed a contract for procurement of 72,400 assault rifles from the US-based (it was originally German) company Sig Sauer.&nbsp;

All of the 72,400 rifles were scheduled to be delivered within 12 months of the date of signing of the contract.&nbsp;

The deal was for 72,400 rifles and worth around Rs 700 crore under the fast-track procurement (FTP) route.&nbsp;

According to Sig Sauer's website, the company is a "New Hampshire-based weapons systems provider leading the industry in American innovation, ingenuity, and manufacturing".

This is a rifle that will be used by an infantry soldier and a big move at infantry modernization.

The Indian armed forces are presently equipped with 5.56*45 mm INSAS Rifle. These INSAS rifles will be replaced with 7.62*51 mm assault rifle which according to defence ministry is compact, robust, modern in technology and simple to maintain in field conditions.

Of the 72 400 rifles, Indian army will get 66400, Indian Navy will get 2000, the Indian air force will get 4000.

The development comes even as India is engaging with the US for its defence needs.&nbsp;

Since 2008, the US has bagged more than $18 billion in arms contracts from India.&nbsp;

These including the C-17 Globemaster and C-130J transport planes, P-8 (I) maritime reconnaissance aircraft, M777 light-weight howitzer, Harpoon missiles and Apache and Chinook helicopters.

The development comes days after, United States state department has approved sale of Two Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Self Protection Suites (SPS) for Boeing aircraft to be used in India.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Army has started inducting its newly acquired American SiG Sauer assault rifles for counter-terrorist operations. According to the sources, the first lot of 10,000 SiG 716 assault rifles has arrived in India and has been sent to the Northern Command.

The Indian Army has started inducting its newly acquired American SiG Sauer assault rifles for counter-terrorist operations. According to the sources, the first lot of 10,000 SiG 716 assault rifles has arrived in India and has been sent to the Northern Command. In February this year, India had signed a contract for procurement of 72,400 assault rifles from the US-based (it was originally German) company Sig Sauer. All of the 72,400 rifles were scheduled to be delivered within 12 months of the date of signing of the contract. The deal was for 72,400 rifles and worth around Rs 700 crore under the fast-track procurement (FTP) route. According to Sig Sauer's website, the company is a "New Hampshire-based weapons systems provider leading the industry in American innovation, ingenuity, and manufacturing". This is a rifle that will be used by an infantry soldier and a big move at infantry modernization. The Indian armed forces are presently equipped with 5.56*45 mm INSAS Rifle. These INSAS rifles will be replaced with 7.62*51 mm assault rifle which according to defence ministry is compact, robust, modern in technology and simple to maintain in field conditions. Of the 72 400 rifles, Indian army will get 66400, Indian Navy will get 2000, the Indian air force will get 4000. The development comes even as India is engaging with the US for its defence needs. Since 2008, the US has bagged more than $18 billion in arms contracts from India. These including the C-17 Globemaster and C-130J transport planes, P-8 (I) maritime reconnaissance aircraft, M777 light-weight howitzer, Harpoon missiles and Apache and Chinook helicopters. The development comes days after, United States state department has approved sale of Two Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Self Protection Suites (SPS) for Boeing aircraft to be used in India. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Army receives first batch of Sig Sauer assault rifles to fight against terrorists, Pakistan Army on LoC

New Zealand on Thursday banned assault rifles, semi-automatic rifles, high-capacity magazines, and parts that convert guns into military-style semi-automatic (MSSA) rifles. &nbsp;

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after last Friday's attack on two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bullet-riddled-new-zealand-mosque-to-reopen-for-friday-prayers-more-victims-buried-204613">left 50 people dead</a>.&nbsp;

A 28-year-old Australian and white supremacist had walked up to the Al Noor mosque and started shooting with automatic rifles. He then drove away, walked up to a second mosque — the Linwood mosque — and started shooting again. He used a total of five rifles.&nbsp;

The youngest of his victims was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mosque-attacks-youngest-victim-was-3-years-old-say-families-203805">three years old</a>, the families of the dead said. &nbsp;

"Now, six days after this attack, we are announcing a ban on all military-style semi-automatics (MSSA) and assault rifles in New Zealand," Reuters quoted Ardern as saying on Thursday.

“Related parts used to convert these guns into MSSAs are also being banned, along with all high-capacity magazines," she added.&nbsp;

Ardern has come in for tremendous praise for her handling of the crisis — the worst mass shooting in her country's history.&nbsp;

She has refused to name the terrorist who carried out the shootings, saying he should not be given the fame he desired. She has called the massacre a terrorist attack, and offered consolation to New Zealand's Muslim communities.&nbsp;

"New Zealand is their home... They are us," she had said.&nbsp;

When US President Donald Trump called her after the attacks, offering to help, Ardern, who is 38,&nbsp;said he could by offering "love and compassion" to Muslim communities all over the world.&nbsp;

And she promptly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-vows-gun-reforms-after-racist-mosque-massacre-203623">vowed gun reform</a>.&nbsp;

New Zealanders have followed her lead, placing flowers and cards at memorial sites for the dead and offering innumerable hakas — the ceremonial Maori dance — <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-man-performs-emotional-haka-dance-to-pay-tribute-to-new-zealand-mosque-shooting-victims-204322">to remember the dead</a>.&nbsp;

Ardern has also asked that attention not be directed at her but at the victims.&nbsp;

New Zealand on Thursday banned assault rifles, semi-automatic rifles, high-capacity magazines, and parts that convert guns into military-style semi-automatic (MSSA) rifles.

New Zealand on Thursday banned assault rifles, semi-automatic rifles, high-capacity magazines, and parts that convert guns into military-style semi-automatic (MSSA) rifles. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after last Friday's attack on two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch left 50 people dead. A 28-year-old Australian and white supremacist had walked up to the Al Noor mosque and started shooting with automatic rifles. He then drove away, walked up to a second mosque — the Linwood mosque — and started shooting again. He used a total of five rifles. The youngest of his victims was three years old, the families of the dead said. "Now, six days after this attack, we are announcing a ban on all military-style semi-automatics (MSSA) and assault rifles in New Zealand," Reuters quoted Ardern as saying on Thursday. “Related parts used to convert these guns into MSSAs are also being banned, along with all high-capacity magazines," she added. Ardern has come in for tremendous praise for her handling of the crisis — the worst mass shooting in her country's history. She has refused to name the terrorist who carried out the shootings, saying he should not be given the fame he desired. She has called the massacre a terrorist attack, and offered consolation to New Zealand's Muslim communities. "New Zealand is their home... They are us," she had said. When US President Donald Trump called her after the attacks, offering to help, Ardern, who is 38, said he could by offering "love and compassion" to Muslim communities all over the world. And she promptly vowed gun reform. New Zealanders have followed her lead, placing flowers and cards at memorial sites for the dead and offering innumerable hakas — the ceremonial Maori dance — to remember the dead. Ardern has also asked that attention not be directed at her but at the victims.

New Zealand bans assault, semi-automatic rifles after mosque massacre leaves 50 dead

India has signed a contract for procurement of 72,400 assault rifles from the US-based (it was originally German) company Sig Sauer.&nbsp;

All of the 72,400 rifles will be delivered within 12 months of the date of signing of the contract.&nbsp;

The deal is for 72,400 rifles and will cost around Rs 700 crore under the fast-track procurement (FTP) route.&nbsp;

According to Sig Sauer's website, the company is a "New Hampshire-based weapons systems provider leading the industry in American innovation, ingenuity, and manufacturing".

This is a rifle that will be used by an infantry soldier and a big move at infantry modernization.

The Indian armed forces are presently equipped with 5.56*45 mm INSAS Rifle. These INSAS rifles will be replaced with 7.62*51 mm assault rifle which according to defence ministry is compact, robust, modern in technology and simple to maintain in field conditions.

Of the 72 400 rifles, Indian army will get 66400, Indian Navy will get 2000, the Indian air force will get 4000.

The development comes even as India is engaging with the US for its defence needs.&nbsp;

Since 2008, the US has bagged more than $18 billion in arms contracts from India.&nbsp;

These including the C-17 Globemaster and C-130J transport planes, P-8 (I) maritime reconnaissance aircraft, M777 light-weight howitzer, Harpoon missiles and Apache and Chinook helicopters.

The development comes days after, United States state department has approved sale of Two Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Self Protection Suites (SPS) for Boeing aircraft to be used in India.

India has signed a contract for procurement of 72,400 assault rifles from the US-based (it was originally German) company Sig Sauer. All of the 72,400 rifles will be delivered within 12 months of the date of signing of the contract.

India has signed a contract for procurement of 72,400 assault rifles from the US-based (it was originally German) company Sig Sauer. All of the 72,400 rifles will be delivered within 12 months of the date of signing of the contract. The deal is for 72,400 rifles and will cost around Rs 700 crore under the fast-track procurement (FTP) route. According to Sig Sauer's website, the company is a "New Hampshire-based weapons systems provider leading the industry in American innovation, ingenuity, and manufacturing". This is a rifle that will be used by an infantry soldier and a big move at infantry modernization. The Indian armed forces are presently equipped with 5.56*45 mm INSAS Rifle. These INSAS rifles will be replaced with 7.62*51 mm assault rifle which according to defence ministry is compact, robust, modern in technology and simple to maintain in field conditions. Of the 72 400 rifles, Indian army will get 66400, Indian Navy will get 2000, the Indian air force will get 4000. The development comes even as India is engaging with the US for its defence needs. Since 2008, the US has bagged more than $18 billion in arms contracts from India. These including the C-17 Globemaster and C-130J transport planes, P-8 (I) maritime reconnaissance aircraft, M777 light-weight howitzer, Harpoon missiles and Apache and Chinook helicopters. The development comes days after, United States state department has approved sale of Two Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Self Protection Suites (SPS) for Boeing aircraft to be used in India.

To modernise army's weaponry, India buys 72,400 Sig Sauer rifles

When US&nbspPresident Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet for their historic summit in Singapore later this month, they will be protected by men from one of the fiercest warrior tribes in the world - the Gurkhas of Nepal. 
 
While both leaders will bring their own personal security teams, elite Singaporean police, including its Gurkha Contingent, will be securing the summit venue, roads and hotels, according to diplomats familiar with VIP security in the island state. 
 
The Gurkhas, who have a low-profile presence in Singapore, were more visible than usual at the weekend as they&nbspsecured the Shangri-La Hotel&nbspfor a security conference that included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and other regional ministers. 
 
The Gurkhas, recruited by the Singapore police from the hills of faraway Nepal, were kitted out in body armour, Belgian-made FN SCAR combat assault rifles and pistols in leg holsters at the conference, in what some security experts believed was a dry run for the U.S.-North Korea summit.

Despite all the advanced weaponry, the Gurkhas do not prepare for battle without the khukri - the heavy curved knife that is their traditional weapon of choice. According to custom, the khukri must draw blood every time it is unsheathed. 
 
"They are among the best Singapore can offer, and I am sure they will be involved (in the summit)," said Tim Huxley, an expert on Singapore's armed forces at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). 
 
"They remain very much a substantial and frontline force, and the demands of this kind of event are precisely the sort of special operation that the Gurkhas are trained to handle," he said. 
 
A spokesman for the Singapore police declined to comment on the deployment of the Gurkhas or their numbers. 
 
The IISS Military Balance says 1,800 Gurkhas serve in the Singapore police, across six paramilitary companies. 
 
A&nbsplegacy in part of the British colonial era&nbspand more recent pragmatic Singaporean leadership, Singapore's Gurkhas are linked to a British tradition that has recruited and paid for elite regiments of soldiers from Nepal for more than 200 years.

Beaten back by the Gurkhas in the 19th century Anglo-Nepalese War and admired for their valour and fighting skills, the colonial British then began to recruit them. Now Gurkhas serve in the British, Indian and Nepalese armies, as well as in Brunei and Singapore. 
 
They have fought in both world wars as well as the Falklands conflict and, more recently, in Afghanistan. 
 
Huxley said the Gurkhas had long proven to be an asset to Singapore's leadership, providing a neutral force within an ethnically diverse city-state, including VIP and anti-riot protection. 
 
At times of regional tension, they have protected international schools, and are often seen at the Malaysia-Singapore border crossings. 
 
The Singapore Police website describes the group as "tough, vigilant and steadfast" that operates "across the spectrum of paramilitary operations to help safeguard Singapore".

They live with their families in the secure Mount Vernon Camp outside the city, an enclave that ordinary Singaporeans are not allowed to enter. 
 
A woman married to a Gurkha who lived in the camp said life there was restricted. 
 
"We have a curfew of 12 midnight," she said. "For women, we can let them know if we have a genuine reason to stay out, for men, there is no excuse. 
 
"One of the rules we have is that we have to be in bed by 10.30 p.m. every night. This means no music, no nothing. Even if we have a party, we need to stop. If not, there will be some form of enforcement by the people patrolling." 
 
Typically recruited at 18 or 19 before being trained in Singapore, the Gurkha soldiers retire at 45 when they are repatriated. While their children attend local schools, Gurkhas are not allowed to marry local women. 
 
A handful of ex-British Army officers serve as sworn-in Singapore police in senior leadership, training and organisational roles.

"Although they are police, the links between the contingent and the British Army remain deep and strong," one British Army officer said. "They are part of a fine tradition."

While both leaders will bring their own personal security teams, elite Singaporean police, including its Gurkha Contingent, will be securing the summit venue, roads and hotels, according to diplomats familiar with VIP security in the island state

When US&nbspPresident Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet for their historic summit in Singapore later this month, they will be protected by men from one of the fiercest warrior tribes in the world - the Gurkhas of Nepal. While both leaders will bring their own personal security teams, elite Singaporean police, including its Gurkha Contingent, will be securing the summit venue, roads and hotels, according to diplomats familiar with VIP security in the island state. The Gurkhas, who have a low-profile presence in Singapore, were more visible than usual at the weekend as they&nbspsecured the Shangri-La Hotel&nbspfor a security conference that included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and other regional ministers. The Gurkhas, recruited by the Singapore police from the hills of faraway Nepal, were kitted out in body armour, Belgian-made FN SCAR combat assault rifles and pistols in leg holsters at the conference, in what some security experts believed was a dry run for the U.S.-North Korea summit. Despite all the advanced weaponry, the Gurkhas do not prepare for battle without the khukri - the heavy curved knife that is their traditional weapon of choice. According to custom, the khukri must draw blood every time it is unsheathed. "They are among the best Singapore can offer, and I am sure they will be involved (in the summit)," said Tim Huxley, an expert on Singapore's armed forces at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). "They remain very much a substantial and frontline force, and the demands of this kind of event are precisely the sort of special operation that the Gurkhas are trained to handle," he said. A spokesman for the Singapore police declined to comment on the deployment of the Gurkhas or their numbers. The IISS Military Balance says 1,800 Gurkhas serve in the Singapore police, across six paramilitary companies. A&nbsplegacy in part of the British colonial era&nbspand more recent pragmatic Singaporean leadership, Singapore's Gurkhas are linked to a British tradition that has recruited and paid for elite regiments of soldiers from Nepal for more than 200 years. Beaten back by the Gurkhas in the 19th century Anglo-Nepalese War and admired for their valour and fighting skills, the colonial British then began to recruit them. Now Gurkhas serve in the British, Indian and Nepalese armies, as well as in Brunei and Singapore. They have fought in both world wars as well as the Falklands conflict and, more recently, in Afghanistan. Huxley said the Gurkhas had long proven to be an asset to Singapore's leadership, providing a neutral force within an ethnically diverse city-state, including VIP and anti-riot protection. At times of regional tension, they have protected international schools, and are often seen at the Malaysia-Singapore border crossings. The Singapore Police website describes the group as "tough, vigilant and steadfast" that operates "across the spectrum of paramilitary operations to help safeguard Singapore". They live with their families in the secure Mount Vernon Camp outside the city, an enclave that ordinary Singaporeans are not allowed to enter. A woman married to a Gurkha who lived in the camp said life there was restricted. "We have a curfew of 12 midnight," she said. "For women, we can let them know if we have a genuine reason to stay out, for men, there is no excuse. "One of the rules we have is that we have to be in bed by 10.30 p.m. every night. This means no music, no nothing. Even if we have a party, we need to stop. If not, there will be some form of enforcement by the people patrolling." Typically recruited at 18 or 19 before being trained in Singapore, the Gurkha soldiers retire at 45 when they are repatriated. While their children attend local schools, Gurkhas are not allowed to marry local women. A handful of ex-British Army officers serve as sworn-in Singapore police in senior leadership, training and organisational roles. "Although they are police, the links between the contingent and the British Army remain deep and strong," one British Army officer said. "They are part of a fine tradition."

With khukris and assault rifles, Singapore's Gurkhas to guard Trump-Kim summit

Police allegedly used assault rifles to shoot at protesters in Tamil Nadu's Thootukudi, where <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-at-least-11-killed-in-clashes-with-police-over-protests-against-sterlite-plant-139005">11 people died</a> on Tuesday.&nbsp;

A video released by news agency ANI shows a man in civilian clothes taking position on top of what appears to be a police van. He is armed with an SLR (self-loading rifle).&nbsp;

A number of policemen in uniform mill about the van.&nbsp;

In the video, a voice in the background says, "At least one should die."&nbsp;

The man on top of the van fires.&nbsp;

Thousands of people had hit the streets of Thootukudi (earlier called Tuticorin) Tuesday. They were protesting against a Sterlite copper-smelting plant which they say has caused immense environmental damage. They also allege the plant has caused an outbreak of disease in the area.&nbsp;

Sterlite is owned by the Vedanta group.&nbsp;

The protests against the plant have been going on for years. In 2013, the Supreme Court ordered the company to pay a Rs 100-crore fine.&nbsp;

The protests against the plant erupted again in February when it announced that it was doubling its capacity.&nbsp;

Tuesday had been the 100th consecutive day of protest.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Local police in Tuticorin seen with assault rifles to disperse protesters demanding a ban on Sterlite Industries. 9 protestors have lost their lives. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a>. (Earlier visuals) <a href="https://t.co/hinYmbtIZQ">pic.twitter.com/hinYmbtIZQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/998964917905453057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Who ordered the police firing on protestors? Why were automatic weapons used to disperse the crowd and under what law is this permitted? Why were rubber/ plastic bullets or other means NOT used to avoid fatal injuries? Why was no warning given before firing? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SterliteProtest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SterliteProtest</a>
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) <a href="https://twitter.com/mkstalin/status/999124168871362560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Why was there not adequate police presence to maintain law and order during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SterliteProtest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SterliteProtest</a>? Is it accurate to say that there was a total failure of State intelligence which led to these unfortunate deaths? Did IG-Intelligence brief police and <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOTamilNadu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOTamilNadu</a> on the situation?
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) <a href="https://twitter.com/mkstalin/status/999124439169089536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Wednesday, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court stayed the plant's planned expansion.&nbsp;

And the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the Tamil Nadu government for a report on the killings.&nbsp;

The National Human Rights Commission has also issued notices to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police and asked for reports within two weeks.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A video released by news agency ANI shows a man in civilian clothes taking position on top of what appears to be a police van. He is armed with an SLR (self-loading rifle)

Police allegedly used assault rifles to shoot at protesters in Tamil Nadu's Thootukudi, where 11 people died on Tuesday. A video released by news agency ANI shows a man in civilian clothes taking position on top of what appears to be a police van. He is armed with an SLR (self-loading rifle). A number of policemen in uniform mill about the van. In the video, a voice in the background says, "At least one should die." The man on top of the van fires. Thousands of people had hit the streets of Thootukudi (earlier called Tuticorin) Tuesday. They were protesting against a Sterlite copper-smelting plant which they say has caused immense environmental damage. They also allege the plant has caused an outbreak of disease in the area. Sterlite is owned by the Vedanta group. The protests against the plant have been going on for years. In 2013, the Supreme Court ordered the company to pay a Rs 100-crore fine. The protests against the plant erupted again in February when it announced that it was doubling its capacity. Tuesday had been the 100th consecutive day of protest. #WATCH Local police in Tuticorin seen with assault rifles to disperse protesters demanding a ban on Sterlite Industries. 9 protestors have lost their lives. #TamilNadu. (Earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/hinYmbtIZQ — ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018 × Who ordered the police firing on protestors? Why were automatic weapons used to disperse the crowd and under what law is this permitted? Why were rubber/ plastic bullets or other means NOT used to avoid fatal injuries? Why was no warning given before firing? #SterliteProtest — M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) May 23, 2018 × Why was there not adequate police presence to maintain law and order during #SterliteProtest? Is it accurate to say that there was a total failure of State intelligence which led to these unfortunate deaths? Did IG-Intelligence brief police and @CMOTamilNadu on the situation? — M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) May 23, 2018 × On Wednesday, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court stayed the plant's planned expansion. And the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the Tamil Nadu government for a report on the killings. The National Human Rights Commission has also issued notices to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police and asked for reports within two weeks.

Video: In Tamil Nadu police allegedly used assault rifles to shoot at protesters

The Defence Acquisition Council cleared Tuesday the procurement of 72,400 assault rifles and 93,895 carbines worth Rs 3,547 crore.

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Defence Acquisition Council clears procurement of 72,400 assault rifles and 93,895 carbines for Rs 3547 crores in order to meet immediate requirement of the troops deployed along the borders. <a href="https://t.co/Hp9UitDAOF">pic.twitter.com/Hp9UitDAOF</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/953235406387953664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The procurement was cleared at a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The weapons will be used by troops deployed along the borders.

Army Chief Bipin Rawat has in the past asked for modernisation of the armed forces since future wars, he said, would be fought in difficult circumstances.

He further assured that there would be full utilisation of technology if the government assist armed forces.

According to reports, the army has been planning to equip around a lakh soldiers with assault rifles this year.

The rifles will be replacing more than two-decade-old weapons that have outlived its usefulness.

The proposal was cleared at a Defence Acquisition Council meeting chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

The Defence Acquisition Council cleared Tuesday the procurement of 72,400 assault rifles and 93,895 carbines worth Rs 3,547 crore. Defence Acquisition Council clears procurement of 72,400 assault rifles and 93,895 carbines for Rs 3547 crores in order to meet immediate requirement of the troops deployed along the borders. pic.twitter.com/Hp9UitDAOF — ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2018 × The procurement was cleared at a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The weapons will be used by troops deployed along the borders. Army Chief Bipin Rawat has in the past asked for modernisation of the armed forces since future wars, he said, would be fought in difficult circumstances. He further assured that there would be full utilisation of technology if the government assist armed forces. According to reports, the army has been planning to equip around a lakh soldiers with assault rifles this year. The rifles will be replacing more than two-decade-old weapons that have outlived its usefulness.

Government clears Rs 3,547 crore purchase of assault rifles, carbines for troops along border

The Army has finalised one of its biggest procurement plans for infantry modernisation under which a large number of light machine guns, battle carbines, and assault rifles are being purchased at a cost of nearly Rs 40,000 crore to replace its aging and obsolete weapons.

The broad process to acquire around 7 lakh rifles, 44,000 light machine guns (LMGs) and nearly 44,600 carbines has been finalised and the defence ministry is on the same page with the Army in moving ahead with the procurement, official sources told PTI.

The world&#39;s second largest standing Army has been pressing for fast-tracking the procurement of various weapons systems considering the evolving security threats including along India&#39;s borders with Pakistan and China.

Apart from kick-starting the procurement process, the government has also sent a message to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to expedite its work on various small arms, particularly on an LMG.

The sources said a fresh RFI (request for information) to procure the LMGs will be issued in the next few days, months after the defence ministry scrapped the tender for the 7.62 calibre guns as there was only one vendor left after a series of field trials. The plan is to initially procure around 10,000 LMGs.

The Army has also finalised the specifications for a new 7.62 mm assault rifle and the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the defence ministry&#39;s highest decision making body on procurement, is expected to give the go-ahead for the much- needed procurement soon.

&quot;The General Service Quality Requirements (GSQR) for the new assault rifle has been finalised. The procurement plan will soon be placed before the DAC for approval,&quot; said a senior official, who is part of the acquisition process.

In June, the Army had rejected an assault rifle built by the state-run Rifle Factory, Ishapore, after the guns miserably failed the firing tests.

The procurement of assault rifles has witnessed significant delays due to a variety of reasons including the Army&#39;s failure to finalise the specifications for it. The Army needs around 7 lakh 7.62x51 mm assault guns to replace its INSAS rifles.

The Army had issued RFI for the rifles in September last year and around 20 firms responded to it. An RFI is a process whose purpose is to collect information about capabilities of various vendors.

In June, the Army had kick-started the initial process to procure around 44,600 carbines, nearly eight months after a tender for it was retracted, also due to single-vendor situation. Around half a dozen firms including a few global arms manufacturers have responded to the RFI.

Army sources said various specifications for the LMGs and battle carbines were tweaked to ensure that the problem of single vendor does not recur.

The combined cost of the LMGs, assault rifles and carbines will be in excess of Rs 40,000 crore, said an official.

On DRDO missing a number of deadlines in finalising the LMG, an official said the defence secretary has called a meeting this week of all stakeholders to discuss the project.

&quot;The infantry modernisation plan is a major initiative of the Army and it will significantly bolster the overall capability of the foot soldiers,&quot; said a senior army official.

The issue was extensively discussed at the recently- concluded Army Commanders conference which felt modernisation of the Army must be in tune with the evolving security threat facing the country.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman conveyed to the Army during the conference that modernisation of the force was a priority for the government and all its &quot;deficiencies&quot; will be addressed to strengthen its combat capability.&nbsp;

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A large number of light machine guns, battle carbines, and assault rifles are being purchased at a cost of nearly Rs 40,000 crore to replace its aging and obsolete weapons

The Army has finalised one of its biggest procurement plans for infantry modernisation under which a large number of light machine guns, battle carbines, and assault rifles are being purchased at a cost of nearly Rs 40,000 crore to replace its aging and obsolete weapons. The broad process to acquire around 7 lakh rifles, 44,000 light machine guns (LMGs) and nearly 44,600 carbines has been finalised and the defence ministry is on the same page with the Army in moving ahead with the procurement, official sources told PTI. The world's second largest standing Army has been pressing for fast-tracking the procurement of various weapons systems considering the evolving security threats including along India's borders with Pakistan and China. Apart from kick-starting the procurement process, the government has also sent a message to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to expedite its work on various small arms, particularly on an LMG. The sources said a fresh RFI (request for information) to procure the LMGs will be issued in the next few days, months after the defence ministry scrapped the tender for the 7.62 calibre guns as there was only one vendor left after a series of field trials. The plan is to initially procure around 10,000 LMGs. The Army has also finalised the specifications for a new 7.62 mm assault rifle and the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the defence ministry's highest decision making body on procurement, is expected to give the go-ahead for the much- needed procurement soon. "The General Service Quality Requirements (GSQR) for the new assault rifle has been finalised. The procurement plan will soon be placed before the DAC for approval," said a senior official, who is part of the acquisition process. In June, the Army had rejected an assault rifle built by the state-run Rifle Factory, Ishapore, after the guns miserably failed the firing tests. The procurement of assault rifles has witnessed significant delays due to a variety of reasons including the Army's failure to finalise the specifications for it. The Army needs around 7 lakh 7.62x51 mm assault guns to replace its INSAS rifles. The Army had issued RFI for the rifles in September last year and around 20 firms responded to it. An RFI is a process whose purpose is to collect information about capabilities of various vendors. In June, the Army had kick-started the initial process to procure around 44,600 carbines, nearly eight months after a tender for it was retracted, also due to single-vendor situation. Around half a dozen firms including a few global arms manufacturers have responded to the RFI. Army sources said various specifications for the LMGs and battle carbines were tweaked to ensure that the problem of single vendor does not recur. The combined cost of the LMGs, assault rifles and carbines will be in excess of Rs 40,000 crore, said an official. On DRDO missing a number of deadlines in finalising the LMG, an official said the defence secretary has called a meeting this week of all stakeholders to discuss the project. "The infantry modernisation plan is a major initiative of the Army and it will significantly bolster the overall capability of the foot soldiers," said a senior army official. The issue was extensively discussed at the recently- concluded Army Commanders conference which felt modernisation of the Army must be in tune with the evolving security threat facing the country. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman conveyed to the Army during the conference that modernisation of the force was a priority for the government and all its "deficiencies" will be addressed to strengthen its combat capability.

Army finalises mega procurement plan to replace ageing weapons

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