If the Center is indeed serious on establishing a new CAPF solely for guarding our maritime border then it should be at least 20-25 battalions strong to guard the maritime coastline effectively.My question is why opt for a new CAPF when the same job can be done by the I.C.G. if they are provided with sufficient additional manpower and infrastructure.There's absolutely no need for a separate Central Marine Police as the job can be handled by the I.C.G. itself.Just raise its manpower from 18,000 to at least 30,000 personnel and utilise the additional personnel to effectively patrol the maritime coastline.My two cents!!
India's Maritime security is 3 layered!!
The first layer is with few km to our costline, 2nd layer is till our Exclusive Economic Zone and 3rd layer beyond EEZ is international waters!!!
1st lawyer's work presently done by state marine police alone, 2nd layer is done by ICG and 3rd layer is done by IN.
1st layer of our maritime security is in dire need of restructuring and to be honest its the weakest spot hence CMPF is required which will complement State Marine Police.
About ICG, yes they should increase their manpower for that, they need resources and enough OPVs!!
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