Who Are SPOs And What’s Their Role In Jammu And Kashmir’s Counter-Insurgency Operations?

Last Updated:November 12, 2026, 4:52 PM IST

The SPOs are well-trained in handling weapons and also receive training from the Army.

In Jammu and Kashmir, these officers are generally appointed on a temporary basis and receive an honorarium for their services. (Representative image)

A day after two Special Police Officers (SPOs) went missing, their bullet-riddled bodies were recovered in Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday morning. The two personnel were identified as Babi Chand (57) and Rashpal Kumar (45).

The duo was posted with the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the local police at Kiyar village in Dachhan in the district. They had gone missing on Wednesday while travelling from their camp towards an Army post at Dharna-Marwah.

Who Are Special Police Officers?

The incident has brought in focus the roles of these special officers in the Union Territory. The SPOs are local residents who are deployed to help the police in maintaining law and order, especially when the existing police force is not sufficient to manage a situation. In J&K, these special officers are largely engaged on a temporary, honorarium-based arrangement. They are also engaged in conducting counter-insurgency operations. They are well-trained in handling weapons and also receive training from the Army.

In remote areas, Village Defence Committees, which usually have two SPOs, take on terrorists in the event of an attack. Under the Police Act, 1861, a police officer of at least the rank of Inspector can approach the nearest Magistrate to seek the appointment of local residents as SPOs when there is a threat of riots, violence, public unrest or disturbance of peace.

Once appointed, SPOs are given powers and responsibilities similar to those of regular police officers. They work under the supervision of police authorities and are required to follow their instructions.

SPOs Were On Way To Join Duty

The two SPOs were on their way to join duty at a temporary base of 17 Rashtriya Rifles in Marwah but did not reach the base.

Kishtwar, about 200 km from Jammu, has been a focus of counter-insurgency operations. However, its difficult terrain and vast forested stretches continue to pose operational challenges for security agencies.

According to available figures, five people, including four terrorists and one Army soldier, were killed in terror-related incidents in 2026, PTI reported.

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What are Special Police Officers (SPOs) and what is their role in Jammu and Kashmir?

SPOs are local residents deployed on a temporary, honorarium-based arrangement to help police maintain law and order and assist in counter-insurgency operations when regular forces are insufficient. They are well-trained in handling weapons and work under police supervision with responsibilities similar to regular officers.

How are Special Police Officers appointed under the law?

Under the Police Act of 1861, a police officer ranked at least as an Inspector can approach the nearest Magistrate to appoint local residents as SPOs whenever there is a threat of riots, violence, public unrest, or a disturbance of peace.

What happened to the missing SPOs in the Kishtwar district?

Two SPOs named Babi Chand and Rashpal Kumar, who went missing while traveling toward an Army post in Kishtwar district, were found dead with bullet-riddled bodies on Thursday morning. Their service rifles were also reported missing, prompting a massive search and ongoing investigation by security agencies.

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Manisha RoySenior Sub-Editor

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers politics and a wide range of hard news, with a keen interest in national and international d…Read More

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