Punjab approves creation of Special Operation Group to check militant threat

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 17

The Punjab Cabinet on Friday approved the creation of a Special Operation Group (SOG) to check militant threat, with non-fiscal incentives for those personnel who join the new force.

The SOG will contain counter-action force and neutralise militant threats such as fidayeen attack, hostage situations and armed infiltration, according to a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office.

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The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, discussed the advantages of setting up the SOG, which would help respond effectively, adequately and in the least possible time to neutralise armed aggressors.

It will also minimise collateral damage in the form of loss of civilian lives and damage to the strategic assets of the country, working in close coordination with other state players like district police, civil authorities, Army, NSG, IB, and Intelligence Wing etc.

Triggered by the Gurdaspur and Pathankot fidayeen attacks, the need to create the SOG was felt by the state government on account of the inadequate training and lack of sophisticated units in the existing police units.

The SOG personnel would have world-class training and the highest degree of commitment to tackle armed threats and would function as the state’s premier and specialised response team.

With Intelligence reports suggesting plans by fidayeen groups to target the security and vital installations/establishment in the state, the SOG will operate to protect Punjab and its people.

Non-gazetted officers (NGOs) and officers shall have minimum tenure of five years in the SOG. After successful completion of the tenure of five years, NGOs and ORs of Punjab Armed Police and Indian Reserve Battalion/Commando would be posted in district cadres.