19 more police officers and support staff have been deployed to make the Special Protection Force (SSF) responsible for the security of Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu. All these have been sent on deputation basis to SSF.

Shakeel Ur Rehman, Special Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Home Department, issued an order last Thursday. Accordingly, 12 policemen including three officers and six police support staff personnel have been sent on deputation to SSF with immediate effect. After joining these people, the number of officers, jawans and support staff in SSF has increased to 80.

It would not be inconsistent to state here that the SSG used to protect the Chief Minister in the old Jammu and Kashmir state. There was no special party to protect the governor. It was the SSG who performed this responsibility. However, in the year 2018, the then State Administrative Council approved the formation of SSF through a bill for the security arrangements of the Governor. SSF is tasked with security over the Governor, his family, and related matters. In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the post of Lieutenant Governor is in place of the Governor, hence the SSF is now taking care of the security of their families.

In SSF, the same police officers, jawans and support personnel are appointed who are trained commandos just like SSG soldiers and officers. The formation of SSG, its rules and responsibilities are explained in the Jammu and Kashmir Special Protection Force Group SAG Act 2000.