Govt constitutes sub-committee to finalise SOPs to avert border breaches

Srinagar, Sep 6: The government Friday constituted a sub-committee to finalise the draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Border Protection Grid.

The committee comprises of ADGP Headquarters, PHQ, J&K as Chairman; ADGP, Jammu Zone; Joint Director, IB; IG BSF, Jammu Frontier; Representative from office of the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu (civil administration)as members.

The committee would peruse the old and current data on the breaches that have occurred at the border to arrive at comprehensive modus operandi to avert such breaches in future.

The committee has to devise a mechanism to raise alerts by the BSF about “potential breaches”, “suspected breaches” and “confirmed breaches” and the role of J&K Police after such alerts.

The committee has to identify a common platform for inter operate-ability in the form of a common control room so that there is smooth flow of information thereby ensuring an efficient and robust mechanism in the transition zone (hinterland) between the border area and the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44).

It has also to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of all the stakeholders.

It has to create a mechanism for regular interaction among all the stakeholders to take stock of the progress made in the cases of breaches and update appropriate provisions in the SOP, if necessary.

The committee will finalise the draft SOP by September 30, 2024.

The Chairman of the Committee may co-opt any other officer or official who can contribute towards the finalisation of the draft SOP.