Haryana Government Deploys Border Security Drones with Tear Smoke Launchers to Disperse Farmers Attempting Protest March Towards Delhi’s Shambhu Border.
NewsPrism Desk
NEW DELHI– In an unprecedented move, the Haryana government employed drones on Tuesday to thwart farmers attempting to breach barricades at the borders and march towards Delhi for a planned protest. Utilizing tear smoke launchers, these drones, originally manufactured by Drone Imaging and Information Service of Haryana Limited (DRIISHYA), were initially designed for border security with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The introduction of drone tear smoke launchers was announced during the 42nd governing body meeting of the Tear Smoke Unit (TSU) of Border Security Force (BSF) in 2022. These launchers, tested first in Tekanpur, Madhya Pradesh, are primarily used by paramilitary forces to control mobs and cover a range of 400-500 meters, capable of deploying multiple tear gas shells simultaneously.
Paramilitary forces, serving as the first line of defense at the Shambhu border, were supported by the Haryana police to prevent any breach of the multi-layer barricades by protesting farmers. Established in 1976 under the BSF, the TSU specializes in anti-riot tear smoke munitions, providing support to central and state police forces in maintaining law and order.
The deployment of drones in this capacity marks a significant shift in crowd control tactics, signaling a potential evolution in law enforcement strategies amid ongoing protests.