In a decisive effort to bolster security throughout Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territory government has approved the deployment of 4,000 ex-servicemen to safeguard critical infrastructure. This initiative, spearheaded by the Jammu and Kashmir Sainik Welfare Board, aims to leverage the training and discipline of military veterans to protect essential installations such as power stations, government offices, bridges, and other sites that are particularly vulnerable to security threats.
The decision comes in response to ongoing concerns surrounding sporadic terrorist activities in the region, despite a marked decrease in infiltration attempts across the Line of Control since 2019. Small terrorist factions continue to target soft infrastructure and civilians, fostering anxiety among local communities and disrupting everyday life. A report released in 2023 by the Observer Research Foundation has underscored the persistent dangers posed by more than 100 terrorist launch pads located in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The ex-servicemen will be assigned non-combatant roles focused primarily on static guard duties, deter potential threats through visible presence, and coordinate efforts with local police and district officials. Among the 4,000 veterans selected for this undertaking, 435 hold licenses for firearms, thereby enhancing their capacity to effectively respond to localized threats. The deployment will be administered by District Sainik Welfare Officers, ensuring seamless integration with local civil administration and law enforcement agencies.
This initiative builds on previous successes, notably the involvement of 2,500 ex-servicemen during the Covid-19 pandemic, where they contributed significantly to administrative and relief efforts. Officials view the current program as a strategic collaboration between civil authorities and military veterans, aimed at reinforcing community-based security frameworks while avoiding the militarization of public spaces.
The deployment is being praised as a proactive strategy to protect vital infrastructure and ensure public safety. Furthermore, it reflects a broader approach to tackling the multifaceted challenges faced in Jammu and Kashmir, which include ongoing terrorism, political disenfranchisement, and economic vulnerability. By engaging trained veterans in a productive capacity, the government aims to foster an environment of peace and stability throughout the region.
