Cabinet okays creation of SoG to Counter & Neutralize Militant Threats
In some far-reaching police reforms and initiatives, the Punjab Cabinet on Friday approved the creation of a Special Operation Group (SOG) to check militant threats, with non-fiscal incentives for those personnel who join the new force. The SOG will contain, counter and neutralize militant threats like fidayeen attack, hostage situations and armed infiltration to save precious lives and properties, according to a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office. The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, discussed the advantages of setting up the SOG, which would help respond effectively, adequately and in the least possible time to neutralize armed aggressors. Triggered by the Gurdaspur and Pathankot fidayeen attacks, the need to create the SOG was felt by the state government on account of the inadequate training and lack of sophisticated units in the existing police units to contain, counter and neutralized militant threats like fidayeen attacks, hostage situations and armed infiltration to save precious lives and properties. The SOG would have world-class training and the highest degree of commitment to tackle such threats and would function as the state's premier and specialized response team to counter such attacks. -PTC News
