ITBP imports dogs in battle against Naxals

They aren't called dogs of war for nothing. Territorial, intelligent and loyal, they are known for their ability to detect explosives, detonation cords and gunpowder. And they've been imported to India for the first time. Ruchira Hoon reports.

They aren't called dogs of war for nothing. Territorial, intelligent and loyal, they are known for their ability to detect explosives, detonation cords and gunpowder. And they've been imported to India for the first time.

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The Malinois, also known as the Belgian Shepherd, are being trained by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to be deployed for, among other things, anti-Naxal and counter-insurgency operations.

The US army used them in Iraq and Afghanistan, Israel in the Gaza Strip.

Now, the ITBP is training seven of them in Chandigarh for patrolling and early warning.

"They will be taught not to bark when they sense the enemy but to signal their handler," said Deepak Pandey, PRO, ITBP.