Special Operations Group (Jammu and Kashmir)

Last updated

Special Operations Group
Agency overview
FormedMarch 1994
Employees2,300+
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdiction Jammu and Kashmir

The Special Operations Group (SOG) is a tactical unit of the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) that is specialized in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency.

Contents

The unit's missions primarily involve anti-irregular military, apprehension of armed and dangerous criminals, counterterrorism and hostage rescue crisis management, counterinsurgency, covert operation, executive protection, high-risk tactical law enforcement situations, operating in difficult to access terrain, protecting high-level meeting areas, providing security in areas at risk of attack or terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, special reconnaissance in difficult to access and dangerous areas, support crowd control and riot control, and special operations.

This unit is approximately 2,300+ strong. It is trained and equipped to handle high stakes situations. Its personnel are chosen from more than 100,000 personnel of the JKP. [1] The J&K police has since been very competent and on the frontlines in anti-terror activities. The SOG members are also the first targets of the militant groups and local separatists alike. [2] [3] Since its inception, the unit has played an important role in suppressing terrorism in J&K.

History

It was raised in 1994 with the idea of "involving the passive Jammu and Kashmir Police in the anti-terrorist activities and giving a local face to these operations". [1]

The SOG till date conducts joint operations with other security forces in the region; one example is the 13 March 2000 operation in which Hizbul Mujahideen commander Hamid Gada [4] was killed, and the 6 May 2020 operation in which Hizbul chief Riyaz Naikoo was killed. [5] [6] SOG are well trained and fight shoulder to shoulder with other forces . [7]

Operations

In every district of the state, the SOG is headed by Superintendent Police (operations) or Deputy Superintendent Police (operations). [1] The recruits of the SOG are young men from all the regions of the state and reflect Jammu and Kashmir's various ethnic groups: Kashmiris, Gujjars, Dogras and Sikhs. Many of them have been the victims of militancy in the state. The group is a volunteer force comprising police officers and policemen. The volunteers come for different reasons: some genuinely want to fight anti-India insurgents, while some are motivated by the incentives offered. [1] In 2020, a BBC report said that every militant killed by the group earns it between ₹35,000 (US$410) and ₹50,000 (US$590), according to a police officer. Bonuses are paid for arresting the militants and capturing arms and ammunition. Other incentives for SOG personnel include out-of-turn promotions. [3]

Whenever there is a militant attack in Jammu and Kashmir, SOG personnel are the first ones to reach the spot. [1] In addition, SOG personnel have been regularly called in to control stone pelting incidents (usually CRPF does that in Valley) when the situation gets out of control for local police. [1] SOG has also conducted many cordon and search operations (CASO) and raiding quickly to capture or kill (if necessary) targets in the main commercial hub of Lal Chowk. The group usually does not wear khaki uniform instead they wear camouflage uniform and cover their faces all the time. This elite force is said to set a dangerous precedent where armed officers are awarded promotions and money rewards for every terrorist eliminated. It is said to be the cause of many false shooting incidents where teenagers pelting stones are termed as violent armed terrorists. [3] [ citation needed ]

In 2016, there were reports that SOG operations were being "thwarted" by hostile youth. [8] In 2019, the SOG in each district of Jammu and Kashmir were given targets of "one or two terrorists they need to track and target single-mindedly". Assigning individual targets was a change from how militants were tracked previously. [9] SOG are also given training by the National Security Guard (NSG). [10]

Criticism

Usage of excessive force

The SOG was notorious for alleged human rights violations. [a] [7] So much so that JK Peoples Democratic Party (JK PDP) made it an election promise. Mehbooba Mufti, who was the PDP Vice-president at the time, was quoted saying that the first thing they would do once in power was disband the SOG. [3]

A commission would be set up to inquire into the allegations against Special Operations Group/security forces relating to disappearances and custodial killings. We demand stern punishment for those responsible for custodial killings.

— People's Democratic Party manifesto

In 2003, when the JK PDP came into power, the SOG was disbanded. [2] However today the SOG are considered a model anti-insurgency force which could be replicated in other states. [7]

Leadership

Farooq Khan, IPS was the first head of the Special Operations Group. [11]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ "wherever the forces operate, whether the army, paramilitary, or the SOG, there are (always) allegations of abuse." [2]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Security Guard</span> Indian counterterrorism force

The National Security Guard (NSG) is a central armed police force in India under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is the primary counter-terrorism force of the Government of India. It was founded on 16 October 1984, following Operation Blue Star, to combat terrorist activities and protect states against internal disturbances.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hizbul Mujahideen</span> Islamist militant organization in Kashmir

Hizbul Mujahideen, also spelled Hizb-ul-Mujahidin, is a Pakistan-affiliated Islamist militant organisation that has been engaged in the Kashmir insurgency since 1989. It aims to separate Kashmir from India and merge it with Pakistan, and is thus one of the most important players in the region as it evolved the narrative of the Kashmir conflict by steering the struggle away from nationalism and towards jihadism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir</span> Ongoing separatist militancy in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir

The insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir, also known as the Kashmir insurgency, is an ongoing separatist militant insurgency against the Indian administration in Jammu and Kashmir, a territory constituting the southwestern portion of the larger geographical region of Kashmir, which has been the subject of a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garud Commando Force</span> Indian Air Force unit

The Garud Commando Force is the special forces unit of the Indian Air Force. It was formed on 6 February 2004 and with a plan to have around 2,000-personnel strength. The unit derives its name from Garuda, a Hindu deity.

Ikhwan force, popularly referred to as the Ikhwan and locally known as naabedh, was a pro-government militia in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, composed of surrendered Kashmiri militants active in the insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Farooq Khan</span> Indian Police Service Officer

Sardar Farooq Khan is an Indian politician and former police officer who served with the Indian Police Service (IPS). He retired in 2013 as Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu and head of the Sher-I-Kashmir Police Academy at Udhampur. Khan is known for the creation of the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) Special Task Force (STF) as well as being its first head in 1995; STF would later go on to be renamed as the Special Operations Group (SOG).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">S. P. Vaid</span> Indian Police Service officer

Shesh Paul Vaid, also known as S. P. Vaid, is an Indian police officer and former Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu & Kashmir from 31 December 2016 till 6 September 2018.

Human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir range from mass killings, enforced disappearances, torture, rape and sexual abuse to political repression and suppression of freedom of speech. The Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Border Security Personnel (BSF) have been accused of committing severe human rights abuses against Kashmiri civilians. According to Seema Kazi, militant groups have also been held responsible for similar crimes, but the vast majority of abuses have been perpetrated by the armed forces of the Indian government.

The Special Tactical Unit (STU) is a police tactical unit of the Odisha Police (OP) in Odisha, India. They specialise in urban warfare operation scenarios including anti-irregular military, apprehension of armed and dangerous criminals, combat patrol, counterinsurgency, covert operation, hostage rescue situations, HUMINT, protecting high-ranking officials at risk of assassination, providing security in areas at risk of attack or terrorism in Bhubaneswar, special operations, support crowd control, and urban counterterrorism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burhan Wani</span> Kashmiri Islamist militant (1994–2016)

Burhan Wani was the leader of Hizbul Mujahideen, an Islamist terrorist organization and terrorist group of the Kashmir conflict. He had become a popular figure amongst the local Kashmiri populace, having done so primarily through a strong social media presence, and was responsible for moulding the insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir into a youth-oriented movement. Wani was a terrorist leader and had reportedly recruited numerous foot-soldiers through his personal efforts.

There have been several attacks on Indian Armed Forces by militants in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian Army operations in Jammu and Kashmir</span> Military operation

Indian Army operations in Jammu and Kashmir include security operations such as Operation Rakshak, which began in 1990, Operation Sarp Vinash in 2003 and Operation Randori Behak in 2020. Other operations include humanitarian missions such as Operation Megh Rahat and operations with a social aim such as Operation Goodwill and Operation Calm Down. The Indian Army works in tandem with the other arms of the Indian Armed Forces and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir such as during Mission Sahayata or joint operations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind</span> Al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamist militant group in Kashmir

Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind is an al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamist jihadist militant group active in Kashmir. The group's stated objective is to create Kashmir as an independent Islamic state under Sharia law and to fight jihad against Indian administration of Jammu and Kashmir.

Over ground workers (OGWs), according to Indian security forces, are people who help militants, or terrorists, with logistical support, cash, shelter, and other infrastructure with which armed groups and insurgency movements such as Hizbul Mujaheddin and Jaish-e-Muhammad in Jammu and Kashmir can operate. OGWs play a vital role in militant attacks, providing real-time information and support to the tactical elements. Over ground workers have diversified into other roles such as stone-pelting, mob-rioting, ideological support, radicalisation, and recruitment of militants. In 2020, up until 8 June, around 135 over ground workers were arrested in Jammu and Kashmir by the Jammu and Kashmir police. While the term is used and associated extensively with the Kashmir region, the term has also been used officially in other parts of India where insurgency is still active, such as in the Naxalite–Maoist insurgency and in Meghalaya for the Garo National Liberation Army.

Riyaz Ahmad Naikoo was one of the top ten most wanted militant commanders of Jammu and Kashmir. He was the operational chief of Hizbul Mujahideen, an Islamist Pro-Pakistan militant organization active in Jammu and Kashmir.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian Armed Forces in Jammu and Kashmir</span> Overview of the Indian military presence in Jammu and Kashmir

Indian Armed Forces in Jammu and Kashmir encompass the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, tri-service units such as the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD), and paramilitary organisations of the Central Armed Police Forces such as the Border Security Force, the Central Reserve Police Force, the Sashastra Seema Bal and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. Each three wings of India's military have their special forces deployed in the region including Indian Army's Para SF, the Indian Navy MARCOS and the Indian Air Force's Garud Commando Force. Apart from this, there is the elite police anti-insurgency force in the region, the Special Operations Group, of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Abdul Hamid Bhatt was a commander in the Islamist militant organisation Hizbul Mujaheddin. He was killed in an encounter on 13 March 2000 by Indian security forces. Hamid Gada, at the time of his death, was the most wanted North Kashmiri militant. He had been called "Jammu and Kashmir's most important terrorist leader" by Indian journalist Praveen Swami, responsible for the massacres of numerous Kashmiri Hindus, including the 1998 Wandhama massacre. Press Trust of India said that in total, over a period of ten years of militancy, he was responsible for killing over a hundred civilians.

Assistant Sub-inspector Babu Ram, AC (1972–2020) was a Police Officer of the Special Operations Group (SOG) Srinagar, who was awarded the highest peace time gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra.

The People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) is a militant terrorist organization actively engaged in insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir, an ongoing armed conflict between Kashmiri separatist militants and Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir. PAFF was established in 2020 by Jaish-e-Mohammad or Lashkar-e-Taiba, two Pakistan-based Jihadist militant groups.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Resistance Front</span> Militant group in Jammu and Kashmir, India

The Resistance Front (TRF) is a militant organisation actively engaged in Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir, and designated as a terrorist organisation in India. Indian government and other experts believe that the organisation was founded by and is an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based Jihadist terrorist group. The group is responsible for attacks on and killings of civilians, including those belonging to religious minority communities such as Kashmiri Hindus government employees, labourers and business owners, local politicians, and tourists, as well as for several attacks on Indian security forces including local policemen.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Assad, Bashir (25 July 2019). "Lead Role of JK Police, Synergy in Anti-Terrorist Operations". VIF India. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 Hussain, Masood (25 February 2003). "Mufti disbands SOG, merges force with police". The Economic Times. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Peer, Basharat (October 2020). "SOG: Good guys or bad guys?". Rediff. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  4. ↑ Swami, Praveen (1 April 2000). "The killing of Hamid Gada". Frontline (The Hindu). Archived from the original on 12 August 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  5. ↑ Das, Shaswati (6 May 2020). "Hizbul Mujahideen chief Riyaz Naikoo killed in encounter in Kashmir". Livemint. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  6. ↑ Jameel, Yusuf (6 May 2020). "Burhan Wani's successor Riyaz Naikoo killed in Kashmir gunfight". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  7. 1 2 3 Chandran, D. Suba. (December 2008) IPCS Issue Brief 88. Fighting Terrorism: Strengthen and Modernize the State Police . Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, 2008, www.jstor.org/stable/resrep09199. Accessed 14 Aug. 2020.
  8. ↑ Narayanan, M. K. (30 May 2016). "Adrift in the Valley". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  9. ↑ Sen, Sudhi Ranjan (22 November 2019). "Over two dozen terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir Police's cross-hairs". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  10. ↑ Sandhu, Kamaljit Kaur (28 December 2016). "NSG trains anti-insurgent 'Special Operation Group' of Jammu Kashmir Police". India Today. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
  11. ↑ "Former J&K top cop Farooq Khan is new Administrator of Lakshadweep". The Economic Times. 17 August 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.