269-member Special Security Force empowered to approve or disapprove venue to be visited by VVIP
Ibni Maqbool
Srinagar, Aug 4: After every six months, authorities in Jammu & Kashmir will conduct background check on policemen deployed to protect Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory.
The bi-annual verification clause is part of the rules unveiled by administration of the newly carved out Union Territory for implementation of the law governing proximate security of J&K’s LG.
“No person shall be appointed as member of the Force without verification of his character and antecedents. Re-verification shall be done after every six months,” read the “ The Lieutenant Governor Special Security Forces Rules-2020”.
The background verification will be conducted by J&K’s Criminal Investigation Department- intelligence wing of police- to ensure safety and security of the VVIP who happens to be the most powerful person in the UT after Centre effected constitutional changes on August 5 last year.
An official told Precious Kashmir that bi-annual re-verification clause is also applicable to Special Security Group(SSG) created by Farooq Abdullah-led regime in 2001.
“The CID wing of J&K Police undertakes background check on SSG personnel after every six months,” he said.
The law for creation of SSF for protection of J&K’s Governor was enacted on December 13, 2018 when Jammu and Kashmir was under six-month’s Governor’s rule.
The legislation was protected by J&K Re-Organisation Act enacted by the Parliament to divide erstwhile State of J&K into two Union Territories.
On March 31, 2020, the Centre effected changes in the law to replace Governor wherever occurring in the law with Lieutenant Governor. The changes were made through Jammu and Kashmir Re-Organisation (adaptation of state laws) order 2020.
According to the rules, the strength of the force will be 269 including a director, two joint directors, four assistant directors, 14 inspectors, 20 sub inspectors and eight Assistant Sub-Inspectors.
The selection of all appointments of SSF members, who will be on deputation basis from J&K police, shall be made with the prior concurrence of LG, the rules state.
The members of SSF will have powers to restrain any person from gaining access to the protected person and can seek disclosure of any person seeking access to close proximity limits.
They have also been empowered to approve or disapprove a venue to be visited by the protected person.