| Jammu, June 25: With protests and increase in militancy activities in Kashmir, the Government of India has sanctioned filling up of 2,000 vacancies of Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) from the youths living in the areas of 0-10 km from International Border, Line of Control and Line of Actual Control in 10 border districts namely Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara, Kargil and Leh. According to MHA spokesperson, "2,000 vacancies will be equally divided within these 10 border districts, 200 posts for each district." The total sanctioned strength of SPOs in the militancy hit Jammu and Kashmir is 35,474. Out of this 25,474 posts were approved earlier and 10,000 additional SPOs sanctioned in 2016. Presently, there are over 3,000 vacancies of SPOs. During the recent visit of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to the state, he had announced that out of these 3000 vacancies, 2000 SPOs would be appointed from amongst the youth residing between 0-10 Kms from the border area. Sources in the government said that this particularly employment in J&K Police, would be one of the ways to keep the youths away from protests. |
