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In a significant move to bolster community-based security and leverage the expertise of former military personnel, the Sainik Welfare Board of Jammu & Kashmir had submitted a proposal for deploying Ex-Servicemen (ESM) to safeguard critical infrastructure across the Union Territory. This proposal has now received formal approval from the J&K Government, paving the way for an innovative partnership between civil authorities and military veterans.

According to the sanctioned plan, a total of 4,000 Ex-Servicemen volunteers have been selected for this initiative. Of these, 435 individuals possess licensed personal firearms, which is expected to enhance the capacity for responding to localised security concerns. These volunteers will be tasked with the protection of vital installations across all 20 districts of the Union Territory, including power stations, bridges, government buildings, and other sensitive locations.

This development builds upon a precedent set during the Covid-19 pandemic, when 2,500 Ex-Servicemen had volunteered to assist the civil administration. The expanded number reflects both an increased willingness among veterans to serve and the confidence placed in them by the government and the public.

As per the proposal, the deployment will be coordinated through the respective District Sainik Welfare Officers (DSWOs). The ESM volunteers will work in close cooperation with the district administration and local police forces. Their responsibilities will be non-combatant in nature, focusing primarily on static guard duties, deterrence through visible presence, and coordination at the local level. Uniforms and essential equipment will be supplied by the Sainik Welfare Board, with logistical and administrative support from the district authorities. Training and orientation sessions are also being planned to ensure standardisation and operational effectiveness.

This initiative not only makes effective use of the discipline, experience, and dedication of the Ex-Servicemen community but also exemplifies a model of participatory and inclusive security. It reinforces the enduring role of the Indian Army in nation-building by extending its legacy of service into civil society and local governance frameworks in Jammu and Kashmir.

News source: Greater Kashmir