The Army asked civilians to avoid wearing “army-pattern” dresses and shopkeepers to refrain from selling combat clothes, as it issued fresh guidelines to the public to prevent terror attacks.
The guidelines, to be followed across the country, come nearly a week after six terrorists infiltrated through the border and launched attack at the Air Force station in Pathankot, claiming the lives of seven security personnel.
Civilians have been asked to avoid wearing “army-pattern” dresses and shopkeepers were asked not to sell combat cloth, army uniforms and equipment as “it is illegal” to do so.
Also private security agencies, police and other central forces not to wear “Combat-Pattern” dresses as “it is not authorised and leads to false alarms”.
All traders and shopkeepers interested in selling Army uniforms may approach the local military authority and request for shops in units/cantonments approved areas/shops.
“It is illegal to sell army uniforms to unauthorized persons,” the official said, adding, “The guidelines have been issued in public interest and to prevent terror attacks.”
Also, the relatives of armed forces personnel and ex-servicemen were requested not to use items of uniform which they may be having as they could create false reports.
Police and Civil administration have also been asked to check and crackdown on defaulters.
The youth is exhorted to use social media to spread awareness and start a campaign to prevent misuse of Army uniform and equipment as fashion statement.
The Army and the police keep getting information of suspicious activities of persons having been seen carrying rucksacks and wearing combat pattern dress associated with Armed Forces.
While during incidents such as in Pathankot, it has resulted in elimination of terrorists, in most cases these have turned out to be misleading and caused inconvenience to the people at large.
Exhorting public to extend support in the fight against terrorism, the Army has asked them to take pledge to co-operate with defence forces by providing information and keeping vigil at local level.
The Army appealed and requested the public to adhere to the guidelines in national as well as their own interest.