All women's battalion, part of UN peacekeeping force for Liberia

Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, Nov 17 (UNI) An all women's battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will be part of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force (UNPKF) ahead of elections in Liberia, along with 24 vehicles including the popular anti-riot vehicle 'Vajra', designed by Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE).

The battalion will be equipped with water bowsers, ambulances and 'Vajra', a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) official said.

'Vajra' has been modified three times in the past 10 years. So far 370 anti-riot 'Vajras' have been extensively used by the Central and state police departments countrywide.

''Tata Motors is an example of private public partnership,'' said a Tata Motors spokesman. The technology transfer cost the company Rs 10 lakh, while VRDE gets royalty per vehicle, the source added.

The VRDE celebrated its platinum jubilee today and on the occasion organised a national two-day conference on ''Technologies of Light Armoured Fighting Vehicles'' and an auto exhibition.

Earlier, after inaugurating the conference, Armoured Corps Centre and School Commandant Major General J P Singh said for the future battlefield scenario latest technologies should be given to users with a high reliability factor in equipment.

''In war, there is no place for seconds,'' he said, adding that the need was for technologies with real time responsiveness precision targets, zero failings and battlefield transperancy. To succeed in warfare, there has to be innovation and organisation. UNI DWN SSS SK KP2144