Jammu:Given the deployment of ex-servicemen to protect vital installations after ‘Operation Sindoor’, secretary, Jammu Zila Sainik Board, Col (retd) Bhupinder Singh Sambyal on Wednesday said that not just 4,000 volunteers but many others were ready to serve the country.
The Sainik Welfare Board of Jammu and Kashmir had moved a proposal for mobilising Ex-Servicemen (ESM) to safeguard vital infrastructure across the Union Territory. This proposal has been formally approved by the Jammu and Kashmir government, setting the stage for a unique collaboration between veterans and civil authorities towards strengthening community-based security and harnessing the capabilities of former military personnel.
“As per the approved plan, 4,000 ex-servicemen volunteers have been identified, and among them, 435 individuals possess licensed personal weapons, significantly enhancing the capacity to respond effectively to localised security situations,” the Secretary told UNI.
He stated that these volunteers will be employed to protect critical infrastructure in all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including power stations, bridges, government installations, and other vulnerable points.
“The experience and discipline of ex-servicemen can be utilised professionally to protect the installations identified by the concerned authorities in the police and the administration,” he expressed.
“As the situation was anticipated much before, we had voluntarily offered our services. Not only 4000 are identified, but we can produce many others who are ready to serve for the integrity and pride of the nation,” the Secretary said.
“On a daily basis, hundreds of ex-servicemen are visiting the office for registration, and with the required engagement of 4000 volunteers, the remaining will be kept as reserved.” Col (retd) Sambyal said, adding, “It is our duty and ex-servicemen are well aware of handling various operations.”“A short capsule course-cum-training is also underway for the identified volunteers in different parts of Jammu region to brief them of duties and responsibilities including patrolling and guarding,” he said.
He said the deployment would be made with weapons (personal) and also without weapons based on the requirement.
Defence sources said the initiative of deploying ex-servicemen builds upon the previous success during the Covid-19 pandemic, where 2,500 volunteered to support the administration.