Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 9: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is reportedly mulling revival and modernization of Home Guard battalions in forward areas of different border States/Union Territories including Jammu and Kashmir with a view to strengthen Civil Defence which has been necessitated post Pahalgam terror attack of April 22.
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Asserting that Home Guards units are hardly functional in most of the States/UTs having borders with Pakistan excepting Rajasthan, sources said these battalions were set up as auxillary forces to Army and BSF during times of external aggression.
“The Home Guard units can prove very useful in the event of terror attacks and mock drill exercises which were recently conducted by the authorities to assess preparedness in case of any attack or natural disasters,” the sources said.
As per the officials, at present there are 15 Border Wing Home Guard battalions, the maximum six of which are in Punjab, followed by four in Rajasthan, two in Gujarat and one each in Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal.
Setting up of such units in Jammu and Kashmir could go a long way in the case of any eventuality like the ones witnessed during Pahalgam terror attack followed by Operation Sindoor.
For the purpose, fresh recruitments are required to be made. And then the Home Guards can be used as a more effective Civil Defence backup, the sources said.
The Home Guard battalions can be set up under the Home Guards Act and Rules which the States/Union Territories have regarding them.
“Citizens from diverse backgrounds who themselves come forward in service of community safety and national preparedness can be recruited in such battalions,” the sources said.
Asserting that a proposal to this effect is under consideration of the Union Home Ministry, sources said it has gained momentum in the aftermath of April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians including 25 tourists and a local were killed.
This was followed by Operation Sindoor from May 6 to 10 in which the Indian Armed Forces carried out strikes on terror infrastructure and military establishments deep inside Pakistan and PoJK killing many terrorists and destroying terror and military bases.
In turn, Pakistan attacked civilian areas in Poonch, Rajouri and some other parts, killing and injuring many civilians innocent local people.
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