Sub-machine guns and greande launchers, armoured vehicles and combat mobiles, bulletproof jackets and helmets, all recently acquired, went on display at the police grounds in Naigaum on Thursday as the Mumbai Police put up a show of improved counter-terror capabilities since the 26/11 terror attack.

“We have bought new weaponry from countries like Germany and USA and more will be purchased as and when the need arises. We want to give out a strong message that we are ready for any kind of situation that arises henceforth,” Mumbai Police Commissioner D Sivanandhan said.

The weapons on display comprised MP 5 sub-machine guns, pistols by Heckler and Koch, Colt M4 Flat-top carbines (5.56 mm), MP5 tactical machine pistols, Colt M203 under-barrel grenade launchers and Barret M8 A1 long-range rifles.

“The pistols are around 1,000 in number but we do not want to give out the number of other weapons bought,” said Sivanandhan, adding this was “to avoid alerting the enemy about our readiness”.

The displayed vehicles included two Marksman armoured vehicles, four Mahindra Rakshaks, 39 combat mobiles and three light armoured vehicles

“However, I would like to point out that the greatest and the most effective weapon the police have is the batch of dedicated personnel who will be manning the weapons and the vehicles. It should be pointed out that Regional QRTs (Quick Response Teams) have been set up all over the city with around 90 personnel in each region, totalling 450 specialised personnel throughout the city to tackle any untoward situation if and when it arises,” Sivanandhan said.

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